National Archives Director Chen Tsui-lien sparks political dispute

New National Archives Administration Director Chen Tsui-lien has sparked political controversy following her inaugural remarks. Chen criticized the recent trend of “concept swapping,” specifically targeting the use of the term “opposition grand alliance” (黨外大聯盟). She argued that misappropriating the names of past democratic movements undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen responded by calling Chen “unfit” for the position, stating that the director should remain objective and silent on political matters rather than engaging in ideological attacks. Similarly, Kuomintang legislator Li Yan-hsiu criticized Chen, suggesting her appointment was a political move by the Democratic Progressive Party and urging her to remain humble and loyal to the history of the Republic of China rather than personal or partisan preferences.

The dispute centers on whether the National Archives Administration should function as a neutral historical institution or if its leadership can engage in political discourse regarding the interpretation of democratic history and transitional justice.