Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-08-13

The Presidential Office has called on opponents of the government’s pension reform

Opponents of the government’s pension reform program have gathered in recent months at protests like the one pictured in this fili photo, which took place on June 29. (CNA file photo)

plan to avoid disrupting events during the Universiade Games.

The Tsai Ing-wen administration has made reforming Taiwan’s deficit-ridden pension system a priority. However, plans to reform the system have faced strong opposition, especially from retired teachers, civil servants and military personnel. These are the groups who have most benefited from generous pension provisions until now and who stand to be most affected by the reforms.

There have been rumors of a planned protest against pension reform during the opening ceremony of the Universiade Games, the world games for university athletes. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Taipei on August 19, with President Tsai Ing-wen set to attend. According to the rumors, some opponents of pension reform have purchased tickets to the ceremony and plan to cause a disruption.    [FULL  STORY]