ROC presidential candidates wrap up TV presentations
2016/01/12
The three ROC presidential candidates Eric Chu, James Soong and Tsai Ing-wen outlined their respective policy platforms in the third and final televised policy presentations Jan. 8 during an event broadcast by the Central Election Commission.
Chu of the ruling Kuomintang vowed to take Taiwan’s development to the next level during his term, raise the minimum monthly wage from NT$20,008 (US$598) to NT$30,000 in four years and close the wealth gap by continuing taxation reforms.
The KMT chairman also fleshed out his three-pronged strategy for spurring economic growth, which comprises enhancing the nation’s technological strength, fostering industrial upgrade through Productivity 4.0 and promoting trade liberalization.
This development path is to be complemented with such measures as diversifying and bolstering the role played by local enterprises in the global industry supply chain while exploring new product markets.
On the issue of cross-strait ties, Chu said he seeks to keep Taiwan on the path to peace and prosperity by adhering to the 1992 consensus. “By institutionalizing collaboration and communication between the two sides, we will uphold the accomplishments of the last eight years. We are confident this will create more space for Taiwan in the international arena.”
Soong of the People First Party pledged his commitment to steering the nation out of the quagmire of interparty political wrangling. He urged voters to choose a leader capable of walking the walk rather than just talking the talk.
“Policies need to be implemented, otherwise promises of reform and opening up are little more than lip service,” Soong said, adding that he plans to incorporate the best elements of his competitors’ key planks if elected.
According to the PFP chairman, his party has always stood on the side of the people and has no intention of changing tack this late in the game. Soong also promised to implement a root-and-branch overhaul of government operations.
Echoing the sentiments of Chu and Soong, Tsai of the Democratic Progressive Party urged harmony and stability for Taiwan. She envisions an ethnically diverse society moving beyond differences to seek common ground.
“Conflict between people of different backgrounds is a thing of the past,” She said. “We must all pull together in forging a land of diversity, equality, incorporation, reconciliation and unity.
“The DPP will do its best to make every member of society feel as if they belong and are respected.”
Regarding Taiwan’s economic development going forward, the DPP chairwoman hammered home the importance of joining regional integration initiatives to protect Taiwan’s interests amid intensifying global competition.
“We should maintain the push to participate in multilateral trade blocs such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Cooperative Economic Partnership,” Tsai said. “Under my leadership, the government will assist the local industrial sector maintain its competitive edge and upgrade to meet challenges on the world stage.”
Taiwan goes to the polls Jan. 16 in the ROC presidential and legislative elections.
Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241094&ctNode=2194&mp=9)
