TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Chen Chien-jen countered criticism on Tuesday (Dec. 26) regarding the central government's perceived nonchalant approach to handling mining area management. The premier noted that there had been numerous correspondences between the New Taipei City Government and central ministries.
This response comes after New Taipei City Mayor and Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized the previous day. Hou claimed that the Executive Yuan had routinely ignored issues regarding mining rights ownership, despite numerous reports from his government.
Recently, a disagreement erupted between municipal authorities and the campaign headquarters of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te over illegal construction in his hometown in the mining district of Wanli.
Chen clarified that Lai had repeatedly addressed the renovation of the worker's quarters in question and made plans to convert the old structure into a charitable trust.
The premier further elaborated that there had been numerous written exchanges between the city government and the central leadership, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs also responding to issues concerning the mining region.
Chen expressed concern about the recent alarm among mine area residents due to the city government's remarks. He urged both Hou and the New Taipei City Government to vigorously defend the rights and interests of miners.