TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Senior media personality Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚) stated on Friday (May 31) that Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his cabinet have made it clear that achieving a nuclear-free homeland is a definitive goal of the government, though he predicts that during Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) first term, nuclear power will not be utilized.
This announcement comes amid discussions on the island's energy future and reflects a significant policy stance against the continuation of nuclear energy.
Huang mentioned that some media had interpreted Pegatron Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien's (童子賢) suggestion to continue using nuclear power as a trial for the Lai administration. However, the government's position against extending nuclear energy use is now clear.
The National Development Council's Chair Paul Liu (劉鏡清) and Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) also explicitly stated that a nuclear-free homeland is the government's definitive goal. This unified stance underscores the administration's commitment to moving away from nuclear energy.
Despite Taiwan's current electricity sufficiency and the assurance that there will be no power shortages even after nuclear power's phase-out next year, the government's determination is evident.
Huang highlighted that even if there were an open attitude towards discussing the continuation of nuclear power, legislative relaxation and deliberation alone would take five years, indicating that nuclear power will not be used within Lai Ching-te's first four-year term.
He further emphasized the importance of political figures executing their campaign promises, citing Lai's pre-election commitment to not use nuclear power during his term. This policy direction showcases his responsible political attitude, reflecting the democratic process and mechanism at work, as seen in the actions of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in adhering to their pre-election promises.
The government's clear stance against nuclear power not only aligns with its goal of a nuclear-free homeland but also demonstrates the administration's commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises, reinforcing the principles of democracy and political integrity in Taiwan.
