Executive Yuan Spokesperson Cheng Li-wun said today that Premier Jiang Yi-huah's request to meet with opposition leadership to discuss policy issues received a positive response from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Su Tseng-chang, who phoned the premier this morning and spoke with him for 15 minutes.
"Taiwanese society and politics have long been confrontational, which is a great obstacle to national development," Cheng emphasized. "Premier Jiang hopes that rather than resorting to antagonism and confrontation, opposition parties employ sincere communication and rational dialogue, so we can have a more mature democratic culture."
Recounting the conversation, the spokesperson said that Chairman Su first congratulated Jiang on his promotion from Vice Premier. Su then noted Jiang had a long way to go and a lot of work to do from this point forward, as the weight of the Taiwanese people's expectations would be upon him. Su also said he expected the new Cabinet to produce an increase of over three percent in the average person's salary, unemployment of under four percent, and economic growth of over five percent.
Su also said he strongly approved of Jiang's desire to have sincere dialogue with the opposition parties. The chairman reiterated his party's philosophy that as long as the government's policy is correct, the DPP will support it, and if all parties are agreed on a policy, they should all work together to implement it, but if there is disagreement, more communication and coordination is needed.
Jiang thanked Su for his encouragement and suggestions and said that as premier, he will work as hard as he can and not let the public down. Jiang also noted that for various reasons, relations between the ruling and opposition parties have not been good for some time, and this has seriously influenced the development and implementation of national policies. He told Su citizens expect better, and he believes democratic culture can change, but this major step forward requires sincere communication and rational dialogue.
Su noted that according to the Constitution, the Executive Yuan must send the Legislative Yuan a statement of its administrative policies and a report on its administration, so he suggested that before meeting him, Jiang meet with the opposition parties' legislative caucuses first, and that he increase communication with them overall.
Jiang replied the Executive Yuan has always valued effective communication with the Legislative Yuan, and he would meet with the opposition caucuses as soon as possible to discuss major bills and policy for the coming legislative session.
The chairman remarked that he is very willing to recount his own experiences as premier for Jiang's consideration, and while Jiang must be very busy at the moment, he would be very happy to arrange a meeting with the premier when he is free.
The premier thanked Su for his goodwill and said he looked forward to meeting him for formal dialogues in the future.