The reasons for Taiwan to make Dec. 25 a national holiday once again, are numerous and substantial in nature.
The first and most significant reason is an economic one. Taiwan's economy has been in steady decline for several years. Holidays can have a tremendous impact upon the economy. According to estimates by the National Statistical Coordination Board of the Philippines, one of Taiwan's closest neighbors and allies: "Holiday economics can increase GDP by 3.5 percent," lower unemployment and boost the overall morale of the population.
The second reason is based soundly in foreign policy. Taiwan has been locked in an increasingly difficult diplomatic struggle with China for diplomatic allies. Dec. 25 is generally accepted as the birthday of Jesus Christ, and the Vatican has been a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China for the better part of the last century and is under increasing pressure to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in exchange for more religious freedom for Roman Catholics in China. Recognizing Dec. 25 as a national holiday would assist in retaining relations with the Holy See.
Another strong argument in favor of making Dec. 25 a national holiday is the large number of migrant workers in Taiwan that are denied leave or liberty in the form of holidays or weekend furlough.
Considering the ongoing political ramifications from the Kaohsiung riots in September, giving migrant workers an unexpected holiday would be a very effective way of increasing their morale and showing the support of the government of Taiwan for Taiwan's large migrant worker population.
Any one, if not all of these reasons, justify making Dec. 25 a national holiday for Taiwan as it was for over 20 years prior to the recent cancellation.
Eric Lier
Taichung
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