Premier Sean Chen announced this morning that he and President Ma Ying-jeou have proposed to slash their own discretionary fund budgets, now pending legislative review, by a quarter each. Starting in 2013, the presidential state affairs fund may by reduced by NT$10 million (US$333,000), and the Executive Yuan administrative fund by NT$2.5 million.
Speaking on his way to a legislative interpellation, the premier said the decision was made after extensive discussions with the president regarding the public's concerns over government spending in a time of fiscal difficulty.
Having spoken with citizens over the past month, Chen felt uneasy at the tension this civic debate on government spending and pensions have sparked among different sectors and groups. He hopes this decision will allow society to move on and address problems in a rational and professional manner.
"Taiwan cannot tolerate any more internal friction. Everyone must come together to revitalize the economy and lay the groundwork for the future. As long as we have a good foundation, we can ensure a brighter tomorrow," Chen said.