Taipei Mayor: Handling of Presidential Office Funds Needs Wiser Approach

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called for a more judicious approach to managing the Presidential Office's operational funds, particularly after recent budget cuts led to the cancellation of plans to purchase Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes from sheltered workshops. The move has drawn criticism and highlighted the sensitive intersection of political budgeting and support for vulnerable populations.

Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei confirmed that the "order cancellation" was a consequence of the budget being slashed. He expressed gratitude to political figures from the opposing party who offered to take over the orders but questioned the necessity of the budget dispute. "Whether it's Mayor Lu's willingness to buy it, or the Taipei City Government's long-term support for sheltered workshops, we are standing on the side of the vulnerable," Chiang stated, emphasizing his administration's consistent support for such initiatives.

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The deletion or freezing of the Presidential Office's operational funds, or how much to retain, can be handled in a more intelligent way.

Chiang Wan-an stressed that the decisions regarding the deletion or freezing of the Presidential Office's funds could have been managed with greater wisdom. He voiced concern that the plight of vulnerable groups is being subjected to political maneuvering. The Taipei City Government has a history of supporting sheltered workshops, and Chiang reiterated his commitment to ensuring these groups are not exploited for political purposes.

The controversy arose after the legislature decided to cut or freeze the Presidential Office's discretionary funds. This action directly affected a planned procurement from sheltered workshops, which rely on such orders for income. While some political leaders stepped in to mitigate the impact, the underlying budget dispute has become a point of contention, with Chiang Wan-an advocating for a less politically charged resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the beneficiaries.

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Whether it's Mayor Lu's willingness to buy it, or the Taipei City Government's long-term support for sheltered workshops, we are standing on the side of the vulnerable.