Opposition to Lai Ching-te 結果共32筆

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te emphasizes his political standpoint in a Time magazine interview after registering with the Central Election Commission (CEC) alongside running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, becoming the first confirmed party pair for the 2024 presidential election. The interview coincided with the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China’s Central Committee harshly criticizing the DPP candidates, accusing them of advocating for ＂independence upon independence.＂ Lai dismisses China’s criticisms, highlighting that Chinese officials lack experience with a national transition to democracy. He underscores the differing national visions of the opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) and the DPP, asserting the DPP’s firm commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and rejecting China’s attempts at unification. During the registration, Lai and Hsiao, who have differing preferences for pets, wear badges featuring painted animal figures, symbolizing their unique cooperation. Supporters enthusiastically witness this exciting moment, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the upcoming election race.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te is facing pressure from the opposition alliance formed by the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), according to a recent poll by Formosa Magazine. In a three-way race, Lai leads with 33.6% support, followed by KMT’s Hou Yu-ih at 28.5%, and TPP’s Ko Wen-je at 20.5%. The KMT-TPP union, known as the Blue-White Coalition, has put Lai in an unfavorable position, with a combined support for Hou and Ko reaching 49%. Political commentator Wu Tzu-chia noted the narrowing gap between Lai and Hou, with just a 5.1 percentage point difference. When Ko’s 20.5% support is considered, the Hou-Ko duo leads Lai by a significant 16 percentage points. The formation of the Blue-White Coalition has intensified the election battle for Lai, as indicated by the poll. The Blue-White agreement, reached on Nov. 15 by Ko, Hou, former president Ma Ying-jeou, and KMT Chairman Eric Chu, has caused ripples in Taiwan’s political landscape.

As Taiwan’s presidential election nears, the spotlight is on a unique lineup of candidates, including Terry Gou, Lai Ching-te, Hou Yu-ih, and Ko Wen-je. Gou, overcoming significant challenges to secure his place, now navigates potential alliances with the TPP and the fractured opposition. With the election commission poised to announce verified candidates, all eyes are on these political moves shaping Taiwan’s future.

Japanese scholar Yoshiyuki Ogasawara predicts that Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, is likely to win Taiwan’s presidential race. However, Ogasawara cautions that the DPP is unlikely to gain a majority of legislative seats. Opposition parties have attracted public attention by coordinating candidate discussions, leading to diminished public exposure for Lai. Additionally, recent scandals involving extramarital affairs among DPP incumbent lawmakers have put the party on the defensive. Ogasawara’s prediction makes him the first Japanese election observer to suggest that the ruling DPP may not secure more than half of the legislative seats.

The Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, as a pro-Taiwan independence advocate, warning that it would bring misfortune to Taiwan’s future generations. The spokesperson also praises former president Ma Ying-jeou for boycotting the National Day ceremony, interpreting it as opposition to Taiwan independence.

The BBC on Aug. 29 analyzed Terry Gou’s announcement of his independent presidential run as a shot in the dark against the dominant DPP, despite his aims to unite all opposition party candidates.

Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te gave a speech to the Taiwanese-American community stressing the importance of the nation’s safety and peace in New York on Sunday (Aug. 13).