Lai Ching-te advocates for residents’ rights in mining areas

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te explained on Tuesday (Nov. 7) that it's a resident's "right" and not a "privilege" regarding his need to repair the roof of his family home in Wanli after numerous typhoons.

At a press conference, Lai pointed out the commonality of such situations in many mining areas, urging local governments and relevant departments to solve housing problems for residents in these areas.

The presidential candidate addressed the issue following Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential campaign director Huang Shan-shan's recent criticisms of Lai for not paying taxes for his home in Wanli and National Chengchi University Dept. of Land Economics Professor Hsu Shih-jung's criticisms of Lai for focusing only on his house while ignoring those of others.

Rebutting these comments, Lai responded that these statements deviate from the facts, emphasizing that people in similar situations exist beyond Wanli, including Jinshan and Ruifang, within New Taipei City.

Lai indicated that the New Taipei City government has yet to outline land planning following the termination of mining rights, leaving residents in these areas without proper guidance. 

He suggested that the New Taipei City government should give aid and protection to the residential rights of the people in the mining areas, including comprehensive planning.

The DPP candidate stressed that his family's home had paid all taxes levied by the government and expressed readiness to accept any decision from the New Taipei City government or other relevant authorities.