Taipei: Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced several major policies to be implemented in 2026, including providing free lunches in all the city's elementary and junior high schools.

According to Focus Taiwan, the city will oversee food traceability and quality control to ensure that budget constraints do not limit ingredient choices. Moreover, the initiative will promote nutrition and agri-food education, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhancing student welfare. The policy is expected to reduce parents' expenses by approximately NT$10,000 (US$318) per year.

Chiang also introduced education reform measures aimed at supporting educators. These reforms include reducing one class period for homeroom teachers in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools and increasing their allowances. Additionally, the city plans to augment the number of dedicated administrative staff and enhance bonuses for teachers who hold concurrent administrative posts. Free psychological counseling services for teachers will be expanded, with the number of sessions increased from 6-10 to 8-12 per school year, and the service locations will be extended from five administrative districts to 12.

In a move to support the elderly population, the city is expanding the use of its senior citizen card. Currently, the card, issued to residents aged 65 and above and Indigenous citizens aged 55 and above, provides 480 points per month, redeemable for services such as public transportation, with each point equivalent to NT$1. Starting January 2, cardholders will be able to use points to cover registration fees at City Hospitals, and the number of points that can be redeemed for taxi rides will increase from 65 to 85 beginning in February. Furthermore, beginning in July, the monthly subsidy will be raised from 480 points to 600 points.