Political Battle Over Civil Servants' Weekend Work: Chiang Wan-an Says 'Don't Deny Grassroots Efforts'

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 8) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang said that civil servants working overtime on weekends for political battles is not normal. In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said today that any accusation that denies the efforts of grassroots personnel at the Taipei City Government will be met with a response from those personnel, and he stands with them.

Chiang Wan-an attended the "Taipei City Government 115th Year 34th Golden Wu Award and Model Police Award Ceremony" hosted by the Taipei City Police Department in the morning.

After the Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office issued a press release refuting the "Greater Taipei Skyline" idea proposed by rival candidate Shen Po-yang, Shen responded by expressing concern that civil servants working weekends for political battles is not a normal thing. During a joint interview before the event, the media asked Chiang Wan-an for his views on the Geotechnical Engineering Office's use of strong language such as "debunking" and "amateur."

Chiang Wan-an stated that the departments have already fully explained and responded to the matter. He also said that yesterday he stated that any accusations denying the efforts of Taipei City Government's grassroots personnel would be met with a response and clarification from those personnel, and he will stand with them.

When asked by the media about New Taipei City KMT mayoral candidate Lee Ssu-chuan's recent joint appearances with KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) candidates, and whether he himself has plans to appear with TPP candidates, Chiang Wan-an said that the KMT Taipei City Party Committee has an overall plan, and he will proceed according to the party committee's arrangements. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150608