Former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen’s aides stated today (20th) that Tsai Ing-wen has stepped down as president and is fulfilling the commitment she made in 2016 to reform the pension system. Upon leaving office, she will receive a monthly retirement allowance of NT$250,000, in accordance with the income ceiling set after the pension reform for civil servants, amounting to around NT$86,000, with the remaining NT$160,000 plus being donated to charity.
President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin were sworn in at the Presidential Office this morning, bidding farewell to Tsai Ing-wen. After returning to her residence on Dunhua South Road in Taipei, Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by her two beloved cats, Tsai Xiangxiang and Acai, greeted the waiting media at the entrance of her community, appearing relaxed and at ease.
When asked if she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, Tsai Ing-wen humorously replied, “Yes, but these two are quite heavy.” When questioned about purchasing new appliances for her new home, Tsai Ing-wen initially said she couldn’t hear the question. After the reporter repeated the inquiry, she responded, “Bought them, bought them, thank you, thank you,” before carrying her cats inside.
In October 2016, Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Chen Jianren had declared during a party committee meeting that after stepping down, the retirement allowance received during the courtesy period would not exceed the income ceiling set by the pension reform.
Aides indicated that at that time, Tsai Ing-wen had told Chen Jianren that “after stepping down, the retirement regulations should simply entail receiving the ordinary retirement allowance for civil servants,” meaning the amount would be reduced from NT$250,000 to the so-called “ceiling.”
Regarding the calculation method for the “ceiling,” party officials explained that based on a maximum credited service of 40 years for civil servants, an income replacement rate of 70% in 2024, and a maximum of 800 salary points, the monthly retirement ceiling for civil servants this year is NT$86,342. Tsai Ing-wen will receive the retirement allowance equivalent to this limit, resulting in a reduction of over NT$160,000.
Party officials mentioned that the monthly retirement amount for civil servants will gradually decrease until 2029 based on the income replacement rate, and subsequently, Tsai Ing-wen’s monthly allowance will also be decreased accordingly.
It was further noted that according to regulations, Tsai Ing-wen is entitled to a monthly retirement allowance of NT$250,000, calculated over her 8-year presidency tenure, totaling NT$24 million. However, after deducting the actual amount received, the remaining portion will all be donated to charitable causes. Estimated based on receiving NT$160,000 less per month, it is expected that over NT$15 million will be donated over the 8-year period.
According to Article 2 of the Retirement Benefits Act for former Presidents and Vice Presidents, former presidents are entitled to attend national ceremonies by invitation, a monthly allowance of NT$250,000, as well as receive treatment in accordance with adjustments to civil servant benefits.
In addition, expenses for personnel handling former presidents’ affairs, drivers, office spaces, and various affairs are provided at NT$8 million annually, but reduced to NT$7 million in the second year, NT$6 million in the third year, NT$5 million in the fourth year, and no further reductions from the fifth year onwards. As required by law, this also includes providing healthcare, security personnel ranging from 8 to 12 individuals, who may be increased when necessary.