Public Service Hard to Stomach: Local Civil Service Exams Lack Applicants, DPP Pension Reform Makes it Worse

The article cites Examination Yuan data showing that in recent years, local government civil service special exams have regularly resulted in unfilled positions, particularly severely in technical fields like civil engineering and architecture. Technical positions show shortfalls, with civil engineering alone accounting for over half the vacancies. The DPP's pension reform significantly cutting retirement fees, combined with heavy bureaucratic workloads, low salaries, and lack of dignity, has reduced incentives to take exams, and shortages are likely to worsen following pension reform, creating serious consequences for Taiwan's grassroots development.