TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei on Wednesday unveiled Taiwan’s first Havel’s Place, with Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) saying the site should remind political parties to talk, understand each other, and work together.
Havel’s Place is a global art project featuring two chairs, a round table, and a tree in the center. Taipei is the third Asian city to install one, after Hiroshima and Seoul, and the 61st site worldwide, per UDN.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Chiang said the city received the proposal for a Havel’s Place three years ago and worked with the Czech Economic and Cultural Office to find a suitable site. He said the art project shows the close ties between Taipei and the Czech Republic, CNA reported.
Chiang said democratic dialogue helps people with different views understand each other, settle differences, build trust, and cooperate. He said political parties in Taiwan should also use dialogue to solve differences, which would help Taipei and Taiwan move forward.
“Democracy is part of Taipei’s DNA,” Chiang said. He said Taipei has been led by mayors from three different parties and has hosted more marches and protests than any other city or county in Taiwan.
Chiang said this is not disorder, but a sign of democracy. He said it makes Taipei more open, inclusive, and resilient.
Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil said he was honored to attend the unveiling of Taiwan’s first Havel’s Place ahead of what would have been Havel’s 90th birthday. He said the project carries the values of freedom, democracy, unity, and love, CTS News reported.
Vystrcil said he hoped the project will continue to spread around the world. He said it should encourage people to sit down, talk, exchange ideas, and find solutions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) said Havel is a symbol of Czech democracy and a model for people seeking freedom and human rights. Wu said the bench reminds people that freedom, dignity, and human rights are values every society should protect.
