Taiwan’s Cabinet outlines 21 legislative priorities

2016/06/01

A raft of 21 priority bills spanning cross-strait ties, economics, politics and society was released by Taiwan’s Cabinet May 30, signaling President Tsai Ing-wen administration’s intention to waste no time in fast-tracking national development.

“All of the legislation is crucial to the development of national economy and livelihood,” Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan said. “We are looking forward to seeing substantive results in this area, underscoring the new government willingness to tackle problems head-on.”

The 21 bills are expected to be considered by the Legislative Yuan—Taiwan’s highest lawmaking body—before the next session wraps up at the end of the year. Consensus on the legislation was reached after a coordination meeting between the Cabinet and the caucus of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Highlights are the DPP’s version of a draft bill monitoring cross-strait agreements, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the negotiations of goods and services pacts going forward. “There will also be revisions to the Electricity Act governing the nation’s power generation,” he said.

On the economic front, agriculture, anti-media monopoly and nuclear-free homeland promotion draft acts are set to receive maximum attention. Amendments to the Act for the Development of Biotech and New Pharmaceuticals Industry, Building Act and Income Tax Act will also be a focus.

Equally important are revisions to the Fisheries Act, the Ordinance to Govern Investment in the Operation of Foreign Flag Fishing Vessels and a draft bill regulating distant fisheries.

In terms of politics, efforts will be made to lower the threshold to recall elected officials under the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act, while revisions will be made to the Immigration, Nationality and Referendum acts. There are also drafts for statutes on promoting transitional justice and disposal of assets improperly obtained by political parties.

Proposed amendments to the Assembly and Parade Act, Housing Act and Private School Law are also on the agenda. Regarding preparations for the arrival of Taiwan’s hyperaging society, Tung said the Cabinet will unveil revisions to the Long-Term Care Services Act in June, putting in place funding for government efforts in this regard.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=245233&ctNode=2194&mp=9)