public discussion 結果共16筆

Discover how Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai criticizes the KMT’s proposed amendments to the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power, raising constitutional concerns and advocating for transparency and public discussion.

Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) faces a potential financial crisis by year-end without government aid or electricity price hikes, warned Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. An upcoming electricity price review may see rates for ultra-high-voltage users surge by over 10%. Wang emphasizes the need for discussion in the committee meeting and assures efforts to minimize impacts on the public. Taipower’s efficient management has helped curb price spikes and inflation, with plans in place for financial support and program development. Current electricity costs for major consumers stand at around NT$1.63, while Taipower’s generation cost, pre-tax, is NT$3.93, expected to surpass NT$4 post-tax.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu plans a multi-party meeting to discuss Premier Chen Chien-jen’s food safety report proposal. Expectations are for the 11th legislative term to begin on Feb. 20, with a focus on food safety issues under the DPP’s eight-year tenure. The KMT and DPP are engaging in discussions, with the TPP expressing support for the report.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang meet with AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk, presenting a New Year couplet to enhance Taiwan-U.S. relations. Oudkirk, the first ambassador Han has met since taking office, showed proficiency in Chinese during the meeting. The event included a public reception and a private discussion lasting about 50 minutes.

The Central Election Commission in Taiwan announces a comprehensive ban on publicizing, discussing, or referring to poll data in the lead-up to the General Election, aiming to ensure fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim attended an educational discussion in Taipei, where she shared plans for the National Project of Hope. The project aims to address issues of ’inverse distribution’ in education, particularly the financial burden on underprivileged children attending private universities. Hsiao emphasized the importance of nurturing global citizenry among children and connecting them to the world through digital tools. She also stressed the need for a friendly learning environment, anti-bullying initiatives, drug education, gender equality teachings, and addressing security concerns within campuses. Hsiao proposed creating a friendly environment for socio-economically disadvantaged students, reflecting Taiwan’s diversity and inclusivity. She called for the elevation of the quality of special education, advancement of higher education and vocational development, and a change in public perception about it. Hsiao suggested that private universities provide tuition assistance to alleviate the financial burden on poorer students. In terms of foreign affairs, she highlighted her efforts to sign an educational Memorandum of Understanding while stationed in the U.S., offering scholarship opportunities and encouraging Americans to learn Mandarin and visit Taiwan for Taiwan’s global integration.

Jen Mei-ling, wife of Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, clarified that a building being claimed as their own is actually a legacy from her father and not part of Hou’s property. The building has become a topic of discussion in the upcoming 2024 elections due to its high rent and proximity to Chinese Culture University. Jen stated that the property has over 50 vacant houses, which will be used to provide rent subsidies for low-to-moderate-income families and young students through donations. After the leases expire in June 2026, the plan is to convert the property into social housing for the youth and communal accommodations for rent. Initially, the building was leased and managed by Shin-Kong Life Real Estate Service Co., Ltd., with rental prices determined by Shin Kong Life Insurance. Jen announced that the vacant apartments will be subsidized for young families with an annual income of less than NT$1.33 million and a per capita monthly income below NT$56,000. Existing tenants can also apply for the subsidy, with rates of NT$6,400 for single rooms and NT$7,000 for two-person rooms per month. In her public letter, Jen addressed the accusations, highlighting Hou’s integrity during the election process and apologizing for the family issue.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has clarified that she has never renounced her Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan) citizenship, addressing speculations about her nationality status. While she once held U.S. citizenship due to her American mother, she renounced it in 2002 and has documentation to prove it. Hsiao, who has served multiple terms as a legislator, believes that her background has been thoroughly vetted. The discussion about her nationality arose from her time working in the Presidential Office in 2000, where confusion arose due to differing regulations under the Nationality Act and the Household Registration Act. Hsiao emphasized the importance of having a household registration in Taiwan, as it affects immigration, employment, and treatment. However, she assured the public that on the day she assumed her position as an ＂overseas compatriot legislator,＂ she obtained her R.O.C. identification card. Hsiao expressed confidence in her and her presidential running mate Lai Ching-te’s candidature, stating that everything has been meticulously checked, instilling great confidence as they head into the election.

The Bahwan Tribe of Taiwan’s Bunun people are demanding that National Taiwan University (NTU) return ancestral remains taken without permission from a Bahwan public cemetery 63 years ago. NTU has been accused of shirking its historical responsibilities, leading to disagreements with the tribe. The issue dates back to the 1960s when the NTU College of Medicine Physical Anthropology Research Team took remains from the Bahwan Tribe’s cemetery, ’Lilieq,’ for academic research. The ’Return Bahwan Bunun Ancestors’ Remains Committee’ has approached the Executive Yuan, urging the government and NTU to return the remains and cease depriving indigenous people. NTU claims to have 43 boxes of the remains stored in its research room and has been participating in discussions with the government and legislature since the tribe’s request in 2017. However, indigenous legislator candidate Savungaz Valincinan expressed disappointment with NTU’s lack of effort to establish a relationship with the tribe and refusal to cover transportation and accommodation costs for their trips to Taipei. NTU has recently expressed willingness to return the remains, erect a memorial, honor the deceased as ＂Great Body Teachers,＂ and provide medical, educational, and sanitary services to the tribe. However, as a public school, NTU argues that it cannot establish a foundation or provide compensation of NT＄1.49 billion, citing Ministry of Education regulations. This issue has sparked discussion in Taiwan about addressing historical wounds and the journey toward transitional justice for indigenous tribes, who constitute 2.5% of the population and have historically faced exploitation and discrimination.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, reassures the nation of the U.S.’ consistent support ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on November 15. Wu states that Taiwan is likely to be a topic of discussion in the meeting and that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring relevant information. The Biden-Xi meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and will be their first face-to-face conversation since last November. Wu also addresses rumors about Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, potentially becoming the running mate for Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate Lai Ching-Te, stating that the Ministry cannot answer election-related matters. However, Wu assures the public that personnel changes in diplomatic positions are routine and do not impact Taiwan’s relations with the U.S.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je urges the resolution of the alliance between the Kuomintang (KMT) and TPP. Ko emphasizes the need for urgency, suggesting that the matter be resolved within one to two days. He also calls for transparency in the meeting with KMT chairman Eric Chu and invites former President Ma Ying-jeou as a witness. Ko clarifies that collaboration at various levels is not in question, but the discord lies in the combination of presidential candidates. Both Ma and former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu support a public opinion survey to determine the final ticket lineup. KMT Chairperson Chu acknowledges the mutual understanding regarding the survey but highlights the need for further negotiation and discussion on the details and rules of the proposed plan.

The Taiwanese government plans to allocate at least NT＄20 billion next year to raise the salaries of healthcare workers in response to recent protests by medical professionals. Premier Chen Chien-jen advocates for increased respect, appreciation, and compensation for frontline staff, stating that a health insurance system should not be built on the ＂sweat and tears＂ of healthcare professionals. Discussions are underway with President Tsai Ing-wen, National Health Insurance Administration Director-General Shih Chung-liang, and Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan on methods to enhance salaries through health insurance and public budget funds. The financial assistance will be directed at healthcare personnel excluding doctors, with specific details of the plan still under discussion. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has highlighted the global shortage of healthcare workers as a significant concern, and with COVID-19 still a threat, the government aims to increase healthcare investment and address the welfare of those on the medical frontline.

The ＂Blue-White Pact,＂ a joint ticket between the opposition parties Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has become a topic of public discussion in Taipei. Tensions arose when it was revealed that both parties were dissatisfied with the methods used to select their presidential candidates. In response to public scrutiny, TPP candidate Ko Wen-je released a campaign video featuring a potential running mate. The video depicted Huang Shan-shan, secretary general of Ko’s campaign headquarters, as the TPP candidate for vice presidency. KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih’s running mate was identified as Ko Chih-en, CEO of a KMT think tank. The campaign video criticized the ruling parties for their failure to improve living conditions in Taiwan, leading to mixed reactions online. Former KMT lawmaker Alex Tsai emphasized that the pairing of Ko and Hou is crucial for winning the presidential election.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, confirms planned amendments to the ＂Assisted Reproduction Act＂ will include changes to surrogacy policies, extending coverage to same-sex partners, single women, and surrogate mothers. The draft law will be made public early next year and reviewed by the Executive Yuan by the year’s end. Presidential candidates have called for surrogacy policy consideration, with Ko Wen-je inviting a long-term surrogacy policy advocate for discussion. The amendments are not influenced by Ko’s political platform. The ongoing effort to amend the law has been ongoing for two-and-a-half years, with a preliminary draft of 42 articles finalized and 13 expert meetings held. The revision aims to protect children’s rights while addressing same-sex marriage, single women, and surrogacy issues. Surrogacy services will require professional consultation and legal contracts to outline rights and obligations for both parties.

KMT and TPP will hold their first meeting at the Taipei Howard Plaza Hotel to discuss a potential party alliance for the 2024 presidential election. TPP candidate Ko Wen-je supports a direct discussion and debate format with polling mechanisms, while KMT nominee Hou Yu-ih emphasizes not assuming pre-set positions.

Taiwan’s Transportation Minister considers changes to priority seat rules following a public transit etiquette debate sparked by author Li Ang’s recent experience on the Taipei Metro. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications reviews the existing system amid questions about its effectiveness. Explore the ongoing discussion on priority seating and its impact.