TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President-elect Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) May 20 inaugural address is expected to be a unifying message, expressing goodwill towards China to further cross-strait talks, per CNA.
Lai has finished writing his inauguration speech, with the domestic portion focusing on uniting citizens, transforming the economy, and energy policy. Lai is expected to continue the DPP’s policy of maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations.
Many leading DPP politicians believe that the tone of Lai’s speech will be conciliatory towards China. Wu Su-yao (吳思瑤), DPP caucus secretary-general, said she expects Lai to make breakthroughs in cross-strait relations.
In a recent interview, Wu expressed confidence that Lai would choose a steady tone for his inauguration speech and respond to three topics: democracy and peace; innovation and prosperity; and justice and sustainability. Wu said Lai would follow President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in democratic achievements and policies on cross-strait and international relations.
KMT Legislator Hsu Yu-Chen (許宇甄) also hoped that Lai would show goodwill, strengthen dialogue, and reduce hostilities with China. Hsu said the DPP has traditionally campaigned on three themes: "Taiwan independence, abolition of nuclear weapons, and abolition of the death penalty."
Hsu said these unresolved issues have led to constitutional chaos, aggravated the national security crisis, and increased social unrest. Hsu hoped that Lai would not mention these issues in his inaugural address and instead highlight unifying topics such as economic development and Taiwan's future.
Hsu called on Lai to improve cross-strait relations, such as lifting the ban on Chinese tour groups, allowing tourism to return to normal, conducting bilateral dialogue, reducing hostilities, and avoiding war.
Meanwhile, Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) convener Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) said the outgoing Tsai administration failed to deliver on promised reforms of the constitution, judicial system, and media. Huang said Lai should be accountable for reforms that never took place.
Huang hoped that Lai in his inaugural address would discuss constitutional and judicial reform, future energy policy, and solutions to low wages and high housing prices.