Clash Over "Smoke-Free City" Policy Erupts in Taipei Council; Councilor Accuses Official of Defying Mayor

A heated exchange erupted in the Taipei City Council between Democratic Progressive Party Councilor He Meng-hua and Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC) Chair Yin Wei. The confrontation occurred during a question-and-answer session concerning the city's "smoke-free city" policy and its enforcement manpower.

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I'm not asking you to answer, I want the mayor to rule. Who is the mayor now? I really can't figure it out.

He Meng-hua questioned the burden on civil servants for enforcing the policy, particularly regarding overtime. She requested that Yin Wei bring his spokespeople to participate in inspections. Yin Wei responded by inviting the councilor herself to join the inspections, escalating the argument. He Meng-hua became visibly angered, demanding that Mayor Chiang Wan-an intervene and clarify who held authority, stating, "I'm not asking you to answer, I want the mayor to rule. Who is the mayor now? I really can't figure it out."

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Are you confronting our council?

The dispute intensified as other councilors intervened. Councilor Wang Min-sheng expressed dissatisfaction, asking Yin Wei if he was confronting the council. Yin Wei initially refused to return to his seat, leading to further frustration. Eventually, City Speaker Dai Hsi-chin mediated, reminding officials that the mayor is the primary respondent but that department heads can assist. He stressed mutual respect, allowing the councilor to decide if a department head should return to their seat.

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You are asking for my answer, and I am answering. The people are my boss... Councilor, I will say it again, the people are my boss.