societal debate 結果共4筆

In the wake of a junior high student’s murder in New Taipei, Lai Ching-te remains silent on the death penalty, focusing on his election campaign and avoiding the controversial topic despite Hou Yu-i’s questioning.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) governance in Taiwan, pointing out various shortcomings such as shortages of land, water, electricity, talent, and labor during Lai Ching-te’s tenure as premier. Ko also claimed that Taiwan is currently lacking eggs, pork, vaccines, health screening resources, and even toilet paper. He further highlighted present issues including low birthrates, national security risks from an aging population, wage stagnation, inflation, slow industrial transformation, and high housing costs. Ko accused the government of not allocating special budgets for expenditures, resulting in an alleged surplus of NT＄900 billion, and criticized their lack of transparency. He expressed disappointment with the DPP’s failure to address issues left by the Kuomintang (KMT) after eight years in power. Additionally, Ko mentioned that Taiwanese people generally feel insecure about the current status of the Taiwan Strait, which has caused societal discord, political factions, and cross-strait unrest.

KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has promised to review the controversial 108 curriculum if elected, in response to concerns from parents, students, and educators. He plans to reinstate the National Conference on Education, which has not been held in 13 years, to reassess the curriculum. The curriculum has been criticized as ＂shameless＂ by a teacher at Taipei First Girls High School, sparking societal debate. Former President Ma Ying-jeou has supported the criticism, urging the Ministry of Education to urgently review and improve the curriculum. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has a different perspective, arguing that textbook publishers consider teachers’ opinions and that this should not be equated with curriculum issues. TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has stated his opposition to de-Sinicization in education and believes in recognizing the cultural continuum. The approaches of each candidate on educational reform will be important considerations for voters in the upcoming election.

The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, including one that would allow a surviving spouse to use embryos for having children after the death of their partner. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering expanding the legislation to include same-sex couples, single individuals, and surrogate pregnancies. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan suggested a public hearing to gather feedback due to the ethical, legal, and child welfare considerations involved. The current law only permits assisted reproduction for married couples, excluding single women and lesbian couples. Taiwan also does not currently recognize surrogacy as legal, creating unresolved issues regarding the parental status of children born through such arrangements. The debate reflects the government’s attempt to address societal changes and demographic challenges, particularly concerns about population decline.