TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te, one of the leading candidates for the 2024 presidential election, has seen his popularity wane after a series of sexual harassment scandals within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) surfaced in June. Although Lai started strong in the polls after declaring his candidacy for the presidency, his campaign has suffered setbacks due to recent controversies.
In a media interview held on June 18, Lai Ching-te acknowledged the "headwinds" faced by the DPP and characterized the current situation as a wake-up call for the party. However, he also expressed his belief that it could be seen as a positive development.
The sexual harassment scandals have cast a shadow over the DPP, causing a decline in Lai's support. Recent polls indicate that his approval ratings struggle to break the 35% mark, highlighting the challenging environment he now finds himself in.
Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of the party taking a serious and diligent approach in addressing the sexual harassment incidents. He expressed his hope that the DPP can regain the public's support by handling the situation with transparency and accountability.
With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, Lai's campaign faces a critical juncture. The allegations within his own party have affected his standing and presented an opportunity for other potential candidates, such as Ko Wen-je, to gain ground.
As the DPP grapples with these internal challenges, Lai Ching-te recognizes the need for the party to confront the issues head-on in order to regain societal support and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards.
The upcoming months will prove crucial for Lai Ching-te's political future as he seeks to navigate through the complexities of the party's internal turmoil and regain the trust of the electorate. The outcome of the 2024 presidential election will reflect the public's judgment on handling these issues and shape the future political landscape of Taiwan.