Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) spoke regarding plans to transform Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall into a “democratic education park” that preserves historical memory this Tuesday.

During a legislative session, DPP lawmakers Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶) and Lin I-chin (林宜瑾) raised concerns over the handling of sites associated with Taiwan’s authoritarian past and the pace of reforms related to the hall.

Wu said the government has identified 42 “sites of injustice,” noting that just 19 currently have signage explaining their historical significance. She argued that more efforts are needed to promote public education, guided tours, and memorial activities, including at sites managed by central government agencies.

Lin asked about the future of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, noting that civic groups have repeatedly called to remove statues of the former leader Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and transform the site into a democratic space.

Premier Cho said the memorial hall should become a democratic education park centered on preserving historical memory and advancing democratic education.

Cho said, “We should develop the future memorial hall in two directions: One preserving historical memory and one to promote democratic education.” He continued, “Under those principles, closing the space is one consideration, but opening it as a gateway to democracy may be another.”

Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) said the memorial hall’s original architectural design reflects authoritarian symbolism and encourages reverence rather than public use. He said the Culture Ministry has been working to reduce the site’s authoritarian characteristics through events and spatial redesign efforts.

Li said investigations into potential sites linked to authoritarian-era abuses have continued and stressed that preserving such locations is intended to help society understand Taiwan’s history.