Taipei, April 19 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said on Wednesday at the Presidential Office, with anti-pension reform demonstrators protesting outside the Legislative Yuan, that violence will not be allowed to slow down pension reform and anyone who engages in violence will be held accountable for their actions.

Following an overnight sleepover protest against pension reforms, protesters composed mainly of public servants, teachers and military personnel rallied outside the Legislative Yuan complex on Wednesday, shouting anti-pension reform slogans, blocking legislators from entering the complex and sparking sporadic clashes.

Tsai called a press conference at the Presidential Office later that day, vowing to pursue pension reforms to the end.

Tsai said that attempts to use violence to hold up pension reform is intolerable and those who resort to such tactics will be held accountable.

She also called on protesters to remain rational and calm, saying that irrational conduct is not acceptable and deliberately fomenting conflict will not deter the government from proceeding with much needed reforms.

Noting that it is a crucial time for pension reform, Tsai said several pension reform bills are about to be reviewed by the Legislature after being discussed at a national affairs conference and meetings held by various pension reform committees and offices since May 2015.

Tsai also called on public servants, teachers and military personnel to support the government's efforts to push for pension reform given the crucial role of a sustainable pension system as a cornerstone of national fiscal sustainability and generational justice.

(By Sophia Yeh and Evelyn Kao)
Enditem/AW