Office for Strengthening Democratic Resilience Launched to Implement Transitional Justice Fund Utilization

TAIPEI (Central News Agency reporter Lai Yu-chen) - The Executive Yuan's Office for Strengthening Democratic Resilience was officially inaugurated today. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the office was established to better meet practical needs, deepen transitional justice, and strengthen democratic resilience. He expressed hope that the office would serve as a 'public-private collaboration interface platform,' ensuring the proper and effective use of the Fund for Promoting Transitional Justice, while upholding a 'democratic protection umbrella'.

Premier Cho attended the inauguration ceremony alongside Executive Yuan spokesperson Lee Hui-chih, Deputy Secretary-General Lee Kuo-hsing, Minister without Portfolio and Office Convener Lin Ming-hsin, and Deputy Minister of the National Development Council and Deputy Convener Peng Li-pei.

In his speech, Cho explained that the establishment of the Office for Strengthening Democratic Resilience aligns with the three key objectives outlined in the 'Strategic Plan for the Fund for Promoting Transitional Justice': First, expanding inter-agency collaboration and rooting transitional justice in civil society; Second, implementing human rights education and strengthening democratic culture; Third, channeling resources into social welfare and long-term care to support sustainable justice.

Cho emphasized that members of the Executive Yuan's Transitional Justice Task Force have repeatedly highlighted the challenges posed by authoritarianism, extremist politics, rampant disinformation, and declining social trust. He stressed that Taiwan must build stronger social trust to maintain its democratic system amid external interference and internal division. In an era marked by the expansion of authoritarianism and information manipulation, understanding historical roots and leveraging domestic capabilities to prevent past injustices from recurring is essential—this, he said, is the core meaning of strengthening democratic resilience.

Premier Cho outlined two major expectations for the new office: First, that it serves as a 'public-private collaboration interface platform,' integrating civil society efforts and guiding cross-ministerial policy planning and implementation to ensure prudent use of the Transitional Justice Fund and enhance societal risk resilience. Second, that the office becomes a cornerstone of a broad 'democratic protection umbrella' in cooperation with global democratic partners, safeguarding all individuals and organizations engaged in democratic work and jointly defending democratic institutions. (Edited by Su Chih-tsung) 1150617