TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) at a symposium in Xindian on Tuesday denied that his administration intimidated staff from participating in recall campaigns.
Hou was responding to allegations lodged by DPP spokesperson Chang Chih-hao (張志豪), who said he received complaints from civil servants. They alleged an internal meeting was used to discourage their participation in an ongoing petition and recall campaign for lawmakers, per CNA.
Chang alleged on Threads that a city government deputy director at a department meeting incorrectly briefed attendees that civil servants were prohibited from participating in political activities, including mobilization or signature campaigns related to a recall vote.
According to Chang, several civil servants were upset by the stern warning. Chang added that the directive was illegal, as civil servants have the right to participate in political activities during their free time.
Hou said an investigation proved the allegations false. He said administrative neutrality must be observed by civil servants during work hours, but when off duty or on vacation, staff are free to undertake political activity.
New Taipei City Government Information Bureau Director Lee Li-chen (李利貞) said the supervisor reminded colleagues to abide by the relevant provisions of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. Lee said there was no intention to intimidate colleagues.
New Taipei City Election Commission Deputy Director Huang Yao-chang (黃堯章) told CNA that according to Article 77 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, active military personnel, active male conscripts serving in alternative service, or civil servants may not propose a recall motion. However, no regulations prevent civil servants from participating in the joint signature of a recall motion, Huang said.
