Taiwan's government approves NCC personnel changes amid opposition concerns

Taiwan's Executive Yuan has approved personnel adjustments within the National Communications Commission (NCC), a move that comes as three commissioners, including the acting chair, are nearing the end of their terms on July 31. The government stated it respects the independence of the regulatory body. However, the timing and scope of the appointments have drawn scrutiny from opposition parties. Chen Chih-lung, the whip of the Taiwan People's Party legislative caucus, questioned whether the administration is attempting to replicate a model used for the acting prosecutor general, suggesting a desire to keep compliant individuals in key positions within the NCC. Chen pointed to specific changes, such as the transfer of former Secretary-General Huang Wen-che to a counselor role and the promotion of Wen Chun-yu from director of the Planning Department to secretary-general. He argued that such significant personnel shifts, particularly with the NCC in a caretaker period, suggest external influence. NCC acting chair Chen Chung-shu confirmed the personnel changes, explaining they were intended to enhance staff experience and facilitate knowledge transfer, noting Huang's expected retirement in 2027 or 2028. Chen Chih-lung urged Premier Cho Jung-tai to expedite nominations for new commissioners, warning against attempts to undermine the NCC's regulatory functions through personnel arrangements, emphasizing its importance for media freedom.

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respects the independence of the independent agency.