Taipei City Government

The city administration approved the “Clean Politics Protocol for Taipei City Government Political Appointees” during the City Executive Meeting on March 17.
Mayor Ko Wen-je noted that it is imperative to establish a political culture that emphasizes transparency. Graft can be effectively prevented through disclosure of information to the public.
The mayor pointed out that the protocol encompasses two essential elements: First, political appointees of city hall now have an obligation to provide explanations on assets from unidentified sources. This regulation applies to the individual’s spouse and minor children. Any abrupt changes to the assets of the above-mentioned individuals should be reported and explained in the asset declaration.
Another component of the protocol involves the input of political appointees’ daily schedule. The city government is working on the development of a platform onto which staff can register the day-to-day itinerary of respective officials. The records will be used for future reference.
Reckoning that the protocol marks a symbolic move to highlight the city government’s determination to promote honest politics, Ko remarked that the heads of city departments will be required to sign the pact. Those who refuse to be bound by the agreement will be asked to step down.