The Presidential Office says that the inauguration ceremony marking the start of President Tsai Ing-wen’s second term is to be scaled down in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony is scheduled for May 20.
In previous years, presidential inaugurations have been held in the square in front of the Presidential Office with dignitaries and ordinary citizens in attendance. However, in order to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, this year’s ceremony will be held in what the Presidential Office spokesperson has called a “simple, solemn” manner.
The current plan is for the president to take her oath of office at the Presidential Office. She will then proceed to the Taipei Guest House to make a speech and meet with diplomatic envoys. There are to be no invited dignitaries, and the Presidential Office says that all proceeding will follow the guidelines of the Central Epidemic Command Center.