Premier Frank Hsieh (
"The difference between political parties does not affect serving the people," Hsieh said. "The ruling party did a poor job during the election but that does not mean our determination to move forward will be interrupted."
The premier made his remarks during the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday morning. He said that there are still a lot of plans to be carried out but he needs help from opposition parties. In the meantime, he will also help his opposition-party friends whenever necessary.
Hsieh said that the Cabinet will provide finance, manpower and other assistance to local governments.
"The partnership between the central government and local governments will not change. The Cabinet will figure out what local governments really need and help them, because serving the people is our common priority," the premier said. "We hope to help newly-elected local government heads to fulfill their campaign promises to their supporters."
In addition to the announcement that the Cabinet will help new local government heads in terms of carrying out campaign promises or policies, the premier also encouraged newly-elected civil servants to replace unsatisfactory policies of previous commissioners or mayors with new ones. The premier asked incumbents who did not win re-election not to pursue any policies that won't be able to be completed before their current terms end on Dec. 20.
Hsieh also sought help from opposition parties to speed up approval of several pending proposals in the legislature.
"I would suggest to [lawmakers] to amend these proposals instead of boycotting them if they do not like them," the premier said. "We really need their help on this."
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