TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An initiative to rename Zhongzheng Road — a street name honoring former dictator Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) — in cities across Taiwan has been repeatedly stalled due to municipal budget constraints.

DPP legislative caucus chief Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) said Monday the issue is a matter of transitional justice and should not depend on local government finances. She noted that the Ministry of the Interior has already instructed relevant agencies to formulate a plan for the renaming process, per CNA.

Wu said efforts to rename streets have encountered resistance from municipal leaders, particularly in opposition-led areas. Meanwhile, Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers have criticized the ruling party, questioning why it is pushing for the name change while citing a budget shortfall.

Currently, subsidies for renaming streets or removing statues are capped at NT$100,000 (US$3,340), which many local governments say is inadequate to cover the cost of updating street signs, maps, and databases.

Wu argued that changing the name is essential to dismantling symbols of authoritarianism. She called for further dialogue to help reach a broader consensus on the issue.

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) echoed Wu’s stance, stating that road renaming should not be evaluated solely based on cost. She cited a 2023 legislative resolution mandating the Ministry of the Interior to cooperate with local governments to implement the Act on Promoting Transitional Justice, per UDN.

Wu was also asked to comment on the resignation of Control Yuan Secretary-General Lee Chun-yi (李俊俋), who stepped down after using official vehicles for personal purposes. When asked if other Control Yuan members implicated in the same controversy should also resign, Wu said an investigative team has been formed to address the issue and restore the body’s credibility.

She added that the investigation should be thorough and the results made public as soon as possible. Wu said she respected Lee’s decision and urged the Control Yuan to uphold higher standards, as it serves as the watchdog for government agencies and must remain accountable to the public.