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One of the top stories from this past week was that the central government is giving the Tainan City Government NT$500 million (US$15 million) for emergency and reconstruction efforts. Top government officials met on Tuesday to discuss the funds needed for reconstruction in southern Taiwan in the aftermath of a 6.4 magnitude earthquake which toppled several buildings, and killed 117 people.
The central government said it will pay about NT$2.8 billion in reconstruction costs. Kaohsiung has asked the central government for NT$800 million while Tainan estimates it will need NT$2-3 billion dollars to rebuild. Total reconstruction costs in Taiwan may amount to as much as NT$5-6 billion (between US$150-180 million).
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Also this past Wednesday, President-elect Tsai Ing-wen says that she will wait until April to appoint Cabinet members for her administration.
Tsai said that she is focused on discussing the legislative agenda with lawmakers, and so she will set aside the appointment of Cabinet members for the time being. Former finance minister Lin Chuan is widely thought to be a likely pick for premier.
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And finally, this past week, the transportation ministry has fined Uber and has begun imposing fines on drivers found to be working for the company.
Uber entered the Taiwan market in 2014. Between September, 2014 and mid-February of this year, the transportation ministry has fined Uber 268 times, totaling of NT$36.5 million (US$1.1 million.) Uber drivers without taxi licenses were given citations 271 times during the same period, racking up a total of NT$11.75 million (US$353,000) in fines.
Last November, the Taipei High Administrative Court ruled that the transportation ministry could not fine Uber. However, the outcome of another case in January has contradicted this ruling.
The transportation ministry says it will amend current laws and regulations to be stricter on Uber and drivers who take passengers in private cars. The ministry will be able to impose higher fines and even revoke serial violators’ licenses starting in March.