Taiwan voices dissatisfaction with Lai’s governance

As Tuesday marked the first anniversary of Lai Ching-te's tenure as the leader of Taiwan, the society of the island has voiced dissatisfaction with the Democratic Progressive Party's governance, citing incompetence in cross-Strait relations and people's livelihood.

The opposition Chinese Kuomintang party in Taiwan on Tuesday announced a list of 10 broken promises and failures under Lai's administration, ranging from unsuccessful tariff negotiations with the US to flawed energy policies.

The KMT said the first is that talks with the US regarding tariffs announced early last month have failed, with Lai's government handing over Taiwan's interests on a platter.

On Tuesday, the island's pro-reunification Labor Party called on Lai to humbly accept public oversight, address people's grievances, and rectify the current flawed policy direction that has led to confrontations with the mainland.

Public opinion surveys conducted over the past year regarding his governance have revealed widespread dissatisfaction, as Taiwan's economy, industrial development, labor conditions, and cross-Strait relations have all suffered significant damage due to his erroneous policies, the party said.

Former island leader Ma Ying-jeou, speaking at a seminar in Taiwan on Tuesday, focused on Lai's administration, urging Lai to slow down and stop the harmful “anti-China” policy that is detrimental to Taiwan's interests.

Ma called for Lai to return to the foundation of the 1992 Consensus, which upholds the one-China principle, and to restore various exchanges with the mainland to safeguard the safety, welfare, and rights of the people.

He also emphasized the significance of holding events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, urging Lai not to overlook the suffering of the Taiwan people during Japanese occupation from 1895 to 1945.

Over the past few days, protesters took to the streets in large numbers in Taipei, Taichung and other cities on the island, voicing anger over what they see as poor governance and ineffective policymaking by Taiwan authorities.