Lawmaker Slams Mayor for Double Standards on Typhoon Holidays

Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei has sharply criticized Mayor Chiang Wan-an, accusing him of applying double standards in decisions about typhoon-related holidays. The controversy centers on the differing approaches taken for Typhoon Barway and Typhoon Bailu. Chien pointed out that a "typhoon preparation holiday" was declared for Typhoon Barway even before a land warning was issued. However, for Typhoon Bailu, which brought increasing winds and rain, no holiday was declared. Mayor Chiang attributed the decision not to suspend classes to the Central Weather Administration not issuing a land warning, a stance Chien vehemently disputes. "Who decides whether Taipei City suspends work and classes – is it the mayor of Taipei, or the Central Weather Administration?" Chien asked. She highlighted the inconsistency, stating that for Typhoon Barway, the mayor acted preemptively for safety, but with Typhoon Bailu, he is now deferring to the central agency. Chien argued that the same mayor and the same city should adhere to a single, clear set of standards. Chien urged the mayor to provide consistent and transparent decision-making for Taipei's citizens, rather than finding new justifications for each situation. The councilor's remarks underscore a public demand for clarity and predictability in how the city government manages responses to severe weather events.

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Who decides whether Taipei City suspends work and classes – is it the mayor of Taipei, or the Central Weather Administration?