Ko highlights Taiwan’s challenges under DPP rule

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) governance for various shortcomings in Taiwan during Saturday's (Dec. 30) presidential debate, .

Ko highlighted the issues faced during the tenure of DPP presidential hopeful Lai Ching-te as premier, including shortages of land, water, electricity, talent, and labor.

Ko also pointed to deficits in basic necessities such as eggs, pork, vaccines, health screening resources, and toilet paper. He raised concerns about Taiwan's world-leading low birthrates, national security risks from an aging population, unresolved wage stagnation and inflation, slow industrial transformation, and high housing costs.

Accusing Lai of deceptive and defamatory political rhetoric, Ko criticized the government for not allocating special budgets, leading to a reported surplus of NT$900 billion. "The government might not always get everything right, but at least tell us the truth," Ko stated.

Reflecting on the DPP's rise to power in 2016, Ko expressed disappointment with their performance, noting their failure to resolve issues left by the Kuomintang (KMT).

He also mentioned the low wage issue and societal discord, including political factions and unrest related to the Taiwan Strait, contributing to a sense of insecurity among the Taiwanese people.