Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Government bumbles Chen parole

Taipei Times Editorial

Sometimes President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and his government handle things in ways that make one wonder whether to laugh or cry. The administration’s handling of former president Chen Shui-bian’s (陳水扁) request for medical parole has taken so many frustrating twists and turns that, in the end, no one will thank the government even if Chen is granted medical parole.

Government panned over Chen delay

Taipei Times

Supporters of former president Chen Shui-bian express their dissatisfaction with the decision not to release Chen on medical parole in time for New Year’s Day at a protest during the flag-raising ceremony outside the Presidential Office Building in Taipei yesterday.
Photo: Chu Pei-hsiung, Taipei Times

Political figures — including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) — yesterday criticized the government for postponing a decision on whether to release former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on medical parole, while activists protested during a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei.

Don’t blame Taiwan for cross-strait challenges

Michael Danielsen

Despite inking bilateral trade agreements, China has not changed its fundamental view on Taiwan. In Beijing’s eyes, Taiwan is a part of the Chinese family and this position continues to cause international challenges for the US and headaches in the EU.

After the Nov. 29 nine-in-one elections and the Sunflower movement’s occupation of the legislative chamber last year, commentators have begun talking about strained cross-strait relations after a possible change in government next year.

Who is to blame for such concerns about cross-strait ties? Even the most stubborn supporter of China would realize that Taiwan is not at fault.

Ma freeing Chen chance to increase popularity

Parris Chang 張旭成

Former vice president Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) began a hunger strike on Sunday in support of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who has been in prison since 2008 and suffers from multiple mental and physical disorders.

Speaking at a news conference before the hunger strike began, Lu accused the government of interfering in Chen’s trial and conviction, and violating judicial due process.

Lu served under Chen, who has been in jail for more than six years while his health deteriorated.

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