Chiang Wan-an Calls for Communication on Abolishing Control Yuan, Respects Legislative Caucus Decision

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, June 18) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called for a constitutional amendment to abolish the Control Yuan. However, the Kuomintang (KMT) stated there are many differing opinions within the party and that it will handle the matter appropriately after sufficient communication and consensus-building. Chiang said today, prior to attending a promotional event for the Xinwei redevelopment project, that he had communicated with five KMT legislators from Taipei and respects the decision of the legislative caucus.

After the Presidential Office announced its list of Control Yuan nominees, Chiang suggested that the KMT and Taiwan People's Party legislative caucuses jointly reject all nominees, temporarily freeze the operation of the Control Yuan, and then seek cross-party consensus to amend the constitution and abolish the institution. KMT spokesperson Niu Hsu-ting said yesterday that there are many differing opinions within the party, and that the party headquarters, legislative caucus, think tanks, and experts will communicate fully and build consensus before making an appropriate decision.

When asked whether his position differs from the party leadership, Chiang, speaking to reporters before attending the Xinwei redevelopment project promotion event, said that the public widely believes the Control Yuan has failed to fulfill its original intended function and has instead become a tool for political patronage or whitewashing for specific political figures. Therefore, he believes the issue of the Control Yuan's existence should be seriously reconsidered.

Chiang said he had communicated with the five KMT legislators from Taipei and emphasized that the decision must respect the autonomy of the legislative caucus, which has always maintained a high degree of independence. He expressed confidence that the caucus will thoroughly discuss the issue, exchange views, and reach a consensus.

Additionally, Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qing-ling recently participated in China's Cross-Strait Forum via video to promote local agricultural products. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the forum is a platform for the Chinese Communist Party's united front work toward Taiwan and has requested the Ministry of the Interior, the competent authority, to investigate and handle the matter.

Regarding this, Chiang said today that while President Lai Qing-te has expressed a desire to treat Chinese President Xi Jinping to shrimp fried rice, county and city mayors promoting fruit for farmers are being investigated. 'I think the public sees this very clearly,' he added. (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150618