Inauguration FAQs

When and where will the inauguration be held?

The swearing in of the new president and vice president will be held at the Office of President at 9:00 a.m., Taipei time, on May 20.

At 9:40 a.m., Taipei time, the new premier and members of the new Cabinet will be inaugurated in a ceremony to be held in the President's Reception Room on the fourth floor of the Presidential Building.

The new president and vice president will lead a grand celebration rally in the Presidential Building Square beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following a public reenactment of the swearing-in ceremony, Chen will make his much-anticipated inaugural address.

On May 20 and 21, banquets, concerts and fireworks displays will mark this historic transition of power.

Will the inauguration be broadcast live?

Taiwan's major television stations will broadcast the ceremony live, and there will also be a live webcast of the ceremony in Mandarin and English on the Government Information Office's website.

Who is organizing the inauguration?

The inauguration is being jointly organized by the Office of President and the Democratic Progressive Party. The ad hoc organizing committee is chaired by Lin Bih-jaw, deputy secretary-general of the Office of President.

Who will preside over the inauguration ceremony?

Judicial Yuan President Weng Yueh-sheng, the ROC's most senior judicial official, will officiate at the inauguration.

What language will the inauguration be conducted in?

The inauguration ceremony will be conducted in Mandarin, and President Chen-Shui-bian's inaugural address will be in Mandarin.

What trappings of office will the new president receive?

During the inauguration ceremony, Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng will transfer the national seal and the seal of the Presidential Office to Chen Shui-bian.

Will the ROC's diplomatic allies be represented at the inauguration?

Yes. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 12 presidents and prime ministers from foreign countries are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

In 1996, 10 heads-of-state (eight presidents, a king and a governor-general) attended the inauguration of Lee Teng-hui as the ninth term president. 15 other countries were represented by ministers, vice presidents or senior officials.

What are the president's powers and responsibilities?

The president commands the ROC's armed forces and has the power to declare war, conclude treaties; appoint and remove civilian and military officials; issue emergency orders in the event of disaster; grant amnesties and pardons; remit jail sentences and restore civil rights to individuals whose rights have been stripped as a result of criminal conviction.

The president can remove the president of the Executive Yuan (the premier).

If a vote of no confidence in the premier is passed, then, within ten days, the president may dissolve the Legislative Yuan. Legislative elections must be held within 60 days of the dissolution, and the new legislature must convene within ten days of the election results being confirmed. The legislature cannot be dissolved during martial law or while an emergency order is in effect.

Can the president or vice president be removed from office?

Under amendments to the Constitution passed by the National Assembly on April 24, 2000, motions to impeach a president or vice president must be initiated in the Legislative Yuan and then approved by the Assembly.

At the same time, the Constitution was amended to provide that a motion to recall the president or vice president must be initiated and passed by the Legislative Yuan, then confirmed by the public through a referendum.

Unless he is charged with an act of rebellion or treason, an incumbent president is not liable to criminal prosecution.

What are the vice-president's powers and responsibilities?

The vice president has no formal powers. According to Article 49 of the ROC Constitution, if the office of the president falls vacant, the vice president shall succeed until the expiration of the original presidential term. In case the president is unable to attend to office due to any reason, the vice president shall act on the president's behalf.

What happens if both the president and the vice-president are incapacitated?

According to Article 49 of the Constitution, if both the president and the vice president are unable to attend office, the president of the Executive Yuan (the premier) shall act for the president.

How much are the president and vice-president paid?

The president's monthly salary is NT$822,000, and that of the vice president NT$616,500.

The premier will receive NT$493,200 per month, and the vice premier NT$369,900.

Ministers and other members of the Cabinet will be paid NT$328,800 each month.

The current exchange rate is US$1 = NT$30.7.　

Where will the president live during his term of office?

Chen will move into the offcial residence on Ai-kuo W. Road in Taipei, preciously occupied by President Lee Teng-hui.

Where will the vice president live during her term of office?

Lu will be residing in the official residence of the former president of the Control Yuan Chen Li-an, located on Jen-ai Street in Taipei.

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