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Chen to address the public through weekly addresses

Hoping to improve communication with the public, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday launched a televised talk, which will be broadcast every Saturday, saying that he invites all people to express their thoughts and feelings.

The talk, entitled "A-bian Portrait" (阿扁傳真), is Chen's idea and, according to a presidential aide, was inspired by former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats.

Recent US presidents have adopted similar measures to deliver their message. Chen is following US President George W. Bush's lead by delivering regular pre-recorded broadcasts on weekends.

The aide said that to cope with the opposition alliance's criticisms of the DPP government, Chen has decided to personally introduce concrete achievements made since the transfer of power three years ago.

In the first pre-recorded broadcast yesterday, Chen discussed his family life, saying Saturday mornings were a time for him to spend time with his children.

"However, since my son and daughter have grown up, Saturday morning has become a time when I can sit down or walk around and think, during which time many ideas always come to me," Chen said.

"Therefore, I chose this time to share my thoughts with people and, most importantly, to get reactions from everyone," he said, adding that people can express their opinions by sending e-mails or letters to the Presidential Office.

Chen said that all ideas or opinions, no matter how great or small, will help inspire policy-making.

"[Realizing] the public's expectations is the responsibility of the government and is also A-bian's duty," Chen said, stressing that his administration will strive to satisfy the public's needs.

Presidential Office spokesman James Huang (黃志芳) said that starting this weekend, Chen will regularly discuss his policies and how he feels about major national affairs on television, radio and in the print media.

In yesterday's broadcast, Chen said that he made a wish this year while attending the Pingihsi Lantern Festival last Friday that there would be more rainfall and less empty talk by politicians.

Chen's televised address lasted about five minutes and was pre-recorded at the Presidential Office.

According to Chen's aide, the talks will focus on daily life issues and the statements in the televised programs will be displayed in a warm way to avoid raising controversial political debates.
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