TAIPEI: President Lai Ching-te on Monday called for cross-party unity in his first Lunar New Year address since taking office, amid months of political wrangling in the Legislature between his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the nation's opposition parties, which hold a majority of seats.
According to Focus Taiwan, in his pre-recorded address released the night before Lunar New Year's Eve, Lai began by expressing gratitude to military personnel, the coast guard, police, firefighters, medical personnel, and other first responders working in the public sector. It is because of their hard work that Taiwanese citizens are able to enjoy peace of mind over the holiday period, Lai said. He also thanked everyone in Taiwan for their efforts over the past year, praising every citizen as "heroes of Taiwan."
"Together, we overcame many challenges, helping Taiwan continue to progress and develop, as well as play an even more important role on the global stage," Lai stated. He emphasized that in the new year, the government will continue striving to foster national development, spur economic growth, and contribute to citizens' well-being.
Lai mentioned his visits ahead of the Year of the Snake to two local NGOs, Hondao Senior Citizen's Welfare Foundation and Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, emphasizing the importance of respecting seniors and caring for children. He also announced the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, a government-funded program aimed at helping young people realize their dreams through international volunteer work, training, or cross-cultural exchanges.
The Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, slated for 2025, will offer over 800 opportunities for Taiwanese nationals aged 15 to 30 to travel abroad for programs lasting from two weeks to up to one year, according to the Ministry of Education. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to empowering youth and ensuring Taiwan's continued progress.
Meanwhile, Lai reiterated his administration's resolution to ensure the nation makes progress "so Taiwan keeps going strong and every person has a bright future." He expressed his hopes for every family to enjoy "peace, togetherness, and happiness" in the Year of the Snake and urged for harmony between ruling and opposition parties.
Lai's remarks come in the context of recent heated confrontations in the Legislative Yuan between the ruling DPP, the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and the smaller opposition party Taiwan People's Party (TPP). The TPP, siding with the KMT on legislation, has used their combined total of 60 seats to push through bills opposed by the DPP, which holds 51 seats, and has also cut the central government's budget.
Taiwan's presidents traditionally deliver a New Year address on January 1 and a Lunar New Year address on the day before Lunar New Year. This year, the nine-day Lunar New Year break began on January 25 and ends on February 2.