With no majority party in the next legislative session, the TPP will play a critical rol

With no majority party in the next legislative session, the TPP will play a critical rol

2024-01-15

Saturday’s election left the legislature without a majority party. In a seminar held by the NGO, Citizen Congress Watch, it was pointed out that the TPP is now poised to be a critical minority. How the three parties will work together is now a focus of attention. An observer pointed out that many seasoned lawmakers were defeated in the election and are being replaced by many former members of local city councils, who will likely steer the direction of question-and-answer sessions toward local interests.

Chung-Hwa Ku
Citizen Congress Watch
I mentioned just now that the new speaker of the Legislative Yuan may very likely be Han Kuo-yu. Even though the KMT-TPP collaboration never materialized for the presidential election, there is still a lot of room for cooperation at the local level.

Yang Hsien-hung
Taiwan Association for China Human Rights
If the TPP lawmakers voted for themselves, then it’s actually helping the KMT, and that’s just a form of KMT-TPP collaboration.

Chen Li-fu
Taiwan Association of University Professors
Many lawmakers with central government, academic or professional backgrounds were defeated by former city council members, some even from small townships. These newly elected legislators will tend to focus on local interests, lowering the standards of the question-and-answer sessions. They are just an improved local lawmaker, not real parliamentarians.

Chang Hung-lin
Citizen Congress Watch
Now there are fewer than 50 lawmakers, just forty something, so that’s not even half of the legislature, so we can predict that in the 11th session of the Legislative Yuan, there will be many newbies.

These newbies, as the scholars call them, will require closer inspection by the public, an analyst points out, so as to allow Taiwan’s democracy to improve, and not regress.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

台灣政局挑戰! 國會"三黨不過半" 民眾黨成關鍵少數

2024-01-15

大選落幕，國會三黨不過半，公督盟舉辦選後演討會，民眾黨成為關鍵少數，藍綠白如何合縱連橫，成為外界焦點。不過有學者也提出隱憂，強調許多具有專業的立委，在這回都被地方議員出身的對手打敗，未來國會的問政內容，恐怕會以地方利益為導向，將會成為隱憂。

[[公督盟創會理事長顧忠華]]
“新的立法院院長，剛剛已經有提到說，韓國瑜可能還是最有機會嘛，藍白雖然在最後，他們一起競選總統副總統是破局，但是在地方上面，其實還是有很多合作”

[[台灣關懷中國人權創會理事長楊憲宏]]
“民眾黨如果到最後都投給自己，來幫助國民黨，就是藍白合，其實是用這個來完成的”

[[台灣教授協會會長陳俐甫]]
“很多的所謂中央級或學者型的，或專業型的立法委員紛紛落選，而地方縣市議員出身，甚至有很多是鄉鎮長出身的議員，當選立法委員，我們的問政水準會越來越地方化，會越來越地方的利益中心考量，變成一種更高2.0版的縣市議員而已，都不是真正的國會議員”

[[公督盟執行長張宏林]]
“現有的立委只剩不到50位，才40多位，也就是連一半都不到，所以我們可以預期在第11屆來講，幾乎都是由新人組成”

學者發出警告，強調這回當選的有許多人都是新科立委，呼籲選民持續睜大眼睛監督，才能讓台灣的民主品質，持續進步。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan after Lai elected president

2024-01-15

US delegation meets President Tsai, President-elect Lai after election

In line with precedent, the U.S. has sent a senior delegation to Taiwan in a personal capacity just after the election. The group includes former National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger. They were received by President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday, before meeting President-elect Lai Ching-te at the DPP headquarters. During their stay, they will meet other top political leaders, to discuss issues like cross-strait stability after the election.

In the wake of the election, the U.S. has sent senior former officials to Taiwan in a personal capacity, in line with precedent. The delegation includes former U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger. They arrived on Sunday and were received by President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Your visit is highly meaningful. It fully demonstrates U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and highlights the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. We hope that Taiwan-U.S. relations will continue to advance and serve as a key driving force in regional and global prosperity and development.

Stephen Hadley
Former US national security adviser
I am very honored to have the opportunity to meet with you today to reaffirm that the American commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid, principled and bipartisan, and that the United States stands with his friends. We look forward to continuity in the relationship between Taiwan and the United States under the new administration and for common efforts to preserve cross-strait peace and stability.

James Steinberg
Former US deputy secretary of state
…based on our unofficial but warm relationship, our insistence on exclusively peaceful means to address the cross-strait issues, the importance of dialogue and the avoidance of unilateral efforts to change the status quo.

The delegation also visited the DPP headquarters to meet President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
Building on the foundation laid by President Tsai Ing-wen, we will continue to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We also hope that the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan and deepen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various fields.

In the afternoon, the delegation met separately with KMT Chair Eric Chu, TPP Chair Ko Wen-je, and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. During their three-day stay in Taiwan, the group will visit political leaders to exchange views on key issues, such as deepening Taiwan-U.S. ties and cross-strait stability in the wake of the election.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-01-15

Electoral reform urged to support small parties

In this past election, a minor party ran for the first time and placed fifth in the party-list vote. This was the Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party, which advocates for children’s rights, labor rights, and environmental protection. Despite winning nearly 130,000 votes, it fell short of the threshold needed to secure a legislative seat. It also failed to meet the threshold for getting government subsidies. On Monday, the party thanked its supporters in a press event. But it criticized the election system for being unfriendly to small parties.

Women chant slogans with children in tow. They’re members of the Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party, which ranked fifth in the 2024 party-list election, after the KMT, DPP, TPP, and New Power Party.

Lin Shih-han
Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party
Under the current rules, election deposits are returned based on the share of votes received. So that makes smaller parties poorer and poorer with each election. Last year, the Ministry of the Interior proposed an amendment to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, aiming to adjust the threshold for deposit returns so that it’s based on the total number of votes, rather than the vote share. But the amendment was blocked by KMT and DPP lawmakers. We want smaller deposits that don’t deter smaller parties from participating in politics. We also want to adjust the threshold for deposit returns and how the refunds are calculated.

The party says current rules discourage political participation. In the party-list election, a party needs at least 5% of the votes cast to secure party-list seats. It needs at least 3% of the vote to qualify for an annual government subsidy of NT$50 per vote – a lifeline for small political parties. In this past election, only the DPP, KMT and TPP met the 3% threshold, entitling them to more than NT$100 million in subsidies a year. The New Power Party fell short with 350,000 votes, or 2.5% of the total. The Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party came in fifth with 0.97%, which meant that donations from supporters were not tax-deductible.

Shen Pei-ling
Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party
Before the electoral system is reformed, please support the Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party with monthly donations. That way we can continue to produce good policy proposals, run creative political campaigns, and engage in dialogue with society.

Hsu Ying-tsz
Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party
During campaigning, I spoke about how tough it is for a small party. I didn’t put the focus on me personally. And then it turned out we won more than 10,000 votes, so I was a bit surprised. We will continue moving forward. We have another candidate running for city councilor in Zhongli. The two of us will continue to work on issues important to Zhongli.

In order to submit a party list, the Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party fielded 10 candidates for district seats, and several of them won more than 10,000 votes. The party says it’s the world’s only all-women grassroots party. It’s seeking continued support, so that it can bring greater diversity to Taiwan politics.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-01-15

Taisugar Antigua coffee to help Guatemala build schools

2024-01-15

Shih Ming-teh dies aged 83 after battling cancer

Democracy pioneer Shih Ming-teh has died after a long battle against liver cancer. He was 83. The former DPP chair died in the early hours of Monday at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Hailed as the Nelson Mandela of Taiwan, he fought for democracy during the Martial Law era. He spent 25 years as a political prisoner. Although he split from the DPP in the year 2000, his death has drawn condolences from the leaders of his former party.

Tall and slim, the young Shih Ming-teh was prominent in the democracy movement of the Martial Law era. His presence is documented in these black and white photos.

Shih Ming-teh was born in 1941 in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District. He was the fourth child in his family, with three older brothers. His father was arrested during the February 28 massacre, leaving him with a deep distrust of authoritarianism.

Lai Kuen-cheng
Former DPP lawmaker
Shih Ming-teh’s father was called Shih Kuo-tsui. He was Taiwan’s first practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, and he specialized in bone-setting and massage. He had more than one wife. My uncle is his oldest grandson from his first wife. So my older cousin and I refer to Shih Kuo-tsui as our Granduncle. During the Kaohsiung Incident, my uncle was implicated due to his familial connection.

Shih Ming-teh is best known for organizing the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident, which made him a top political criminal. Despite having plastic surgery to aid escape, he was caught and repeatedly imprisoned, even facing the death penalty. Hailed as the Nelson Mandela of Taiwan, he spent 25 years behind bars in total, but his dedication to democracy never wavered.

After he was released from prison for the last time, Shih Ming-teh was elected DPP chair in 2004. At the time, he was an ardent supporter of Chen Shui-bian. But due to ideological differences, he quit the party in 2000 and launched an anticorruption movement against then-President Chen. The move caused a rift with many in his former party.

Dressed in red, ex-DPP Chair Shih Ming-teh said he was defending his own reputation. Following the anti-corruption movement, he slowly faded from the political scene.

Lai Kuen-cheng
Former DPP lawmaker
After he served as party chair, he called for reconciliation with the opposition party. At the time, that didn’t sit well with a lot of people.

Despite his split from the DPP, the Presidential Office and party itself have both paid tribute following his death. Vice President Lai Ching-te thanked him for his contributions to Taiwan. Former President Chen took to Facebook, describing him as, quote, the hero of an era and a lonely pioneer of democracy, and wishing that he rests in peace.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-01-15

Taiex edges higher, New Taiwan dollar depreciates in post-election trade

2024-01-15

Experts predict change in government’s housing policy

As dust settles on the 2024 election, experts are predicting changes in the government’s housing policy. President-elect Lai Ching-te may rethink his predecessor’s anti-speculation crackdown. According to real-estate experts, the 2024 election indicates failure in the DPP’s approach to speculation. But Lai is expected to continue current housing subsidies, and potentially even expand them.

Lee Tung-jung
Real estate broker association
The Lai administration will basically continue three policies from the Tsai administration. He’ll continue rental subsidies and perhaps even increase them.

Days after the election, experts are weighing in on the outcome’s impact on the housing market. President-elect Lai Ching-te is expected to continue the Tsai administration’s generous housing subsidies, ban on pre-sale transfers, and policy of strict market regulation. But a big U-turn could be coming on the government’s speculation crackdown.

Lee Tung-jung
Real estate broker association
Right now the anti-speculation policies include Version 2 of the anti-hoarding policy. Basically all the policies that could be put in place have been enacted. It would seem as if these anti-speculation measures would be well-received by young people. But actually, that has not been the case at all. Young adults still can’t afford to buy or rent. In other words, we need a review of policies affecting young people’s ability to buy and rent a home.

The expert says that if Lai wants to regain support from young voters, he must tackle core issues such as high housing prices, the rental black market, social housing, and loans for young people. To control high housing prices, the government must target root issues to promote balanced regional development.

Hsu Chia-hsin
Real estate expert
The housing market won’t change much as a whole. But it is worth noting that, since the Tsai administration had policies that focused on central and southern Taiwan, we expect overall performance in those areas to be stronger than before.

Lee Tung-jung
Real estate broker association
This year’s housing market can be described in two words. The first one is “changing.” That is the market could change from bullish to bearish. The second is “flattening,” meaning that instead of falling, the market will flatten. Transaction volume may rise slightly, but prices will stay flat.

The expert expects that this year, market volatility will be minor, and that the greatest risks will continue to be geopolitical tensions and cross-strait relations. A mixed year lies ahead, he said, adding that a careful but not pessimistic approach is in order.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-01-15

Taiwan mulls passport subsidies to close tourism deficit with Japan

2024-01-15

Hong Kong student photographer wins IPA commendation

Originally from Hong Kong, Enoch Cheung came to Taiwan to pursue an education and his passion for photography. The International Photography Awards has now recognized Cheung for photographs he took at the 2023 national middle school table tennis competition. Cheung said he hopes to continue using photography to capture every moment he can.

To an athlete, every swing of the paddle is the release of years of accumulated practice. What Enoch Cheung loves most is capturing these moments through his lens.

Cheung took up photography as a middle schooler in Hong Kong. He was drawn to Taiwan for university because of its liberal educational environment.

Enoch Cheung
Hong Kong immigrant
I think the photography environment here is in every way better than in Hong Kong. So after high school I decided to come to Taiwan to study.

Sporting events are Cheung’s favorite subject to photograph. Capturing the slightest movements with the flick of a shutter is a challenge as well as an accomplishment. In 2023, he photographed the national middle school table tennis competition. The photos earned him both an official selection and honorable mention in the non-professional sports category of the year’s International Photography Awards.

Enoch Cheung
Hong Kong immigrant
I rushed up the bleachers and shot from above. Just then, the player was making a save, followed by a forehand smash. I was just in time for the shot. By far the most important thing is winning an award for sports photography. It’s a record of my journey from starting out in Hong Kong to now. Winning an award for your photos isn’t an easy thing.

Still in his junior year of college, Cheung often goes out into his community to teach other photography enthusiasts. He encourages them to keep practicing, and they will see a change in themselves.

Enoch Cheung
Hong Kong immigrant
After practicing consistently, you can see progress from the early photos to now. The improvement is very clear. For example, suppose you shoot an athlete who doesn’t look very fierce. But then you keep shooting them until they win the championship. There’s such a sense of achievement.

Cheung says that he wishes to keep photographing sports. He also does not rule out staying to work in Taiwanese media after graduation, helping to tell each athlete’s story through his camera.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-01-15