Hsinchu market vendors protest eviction, city agrees to new talks

Vendors at Hsinchu City's Zhongzheng Market are protesting a directive from the city government requiring them to cease operations by November 30. The vendors fear uncertainty regarding relocation compensation and their future livelihoods.

During a protest outside the city hall, vendors, accompanied by city council candidate Lin Shih-kai, met with Yen Yi-chi, director of the Industry Development Department. A preliminary agreement was reached for the city government to hold another coordination meeting in August. This meeting aims to build consensus on relocation plans and further discuss subsidy proposals.

Lin Shih-kai stated that the city government has agreed to convene a full vendor briefing by the end of August. This session will clarify various relocation options, compensation eligibility, application procedures, and future market plans. Three initial points of consensus were reached: confirmation of the NT$400,000 compensation for relocation to other public markets, a commitment to review the compensation amount, and the city's agreement to hold another briefing session.

Vendors expressed concern that the initial NT$400,000 compensation might be insufficient to cover moving costs, renovations, equipment replacement, and losses incurred during business suspension. They also noted that the city government had not clearly outlined all available options, such as moving to other public markets, finding private locations, or ceasing operations, leading to a feeling of being pressured into accepting the city's terms.