TAINAN (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te inaugurated his first joint campaign headquarters for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections in Tainan on Saturday (Nov. 4) morning.
Drawing a crowd of over 20,000 supporters, Lai reminisced about his enduring connection with Tainan's residents during multiple elections and through significant incidents, notably the 2016 southern Taiwan earthquake that claimed more than 100 lives in Tainan.
Given recent controversies surrounding undisclosed funding within the DPP, Lai vowed to use his prior experience in tackling crime in Tainan to lower crime rates.
Speaking with fervor at the rally, Lai highlighted his achievements during his term as Tainan's mayor (2010–2017).
Lai played a pivotal role in major projects and reforms, such as the establishment of TSMC's 3-nanometer and 5-nanometer facilities, the construction of the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City adjacent to the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) Tainan station, addressing flood concerns, and the urbanization of the railway.
Lai underscored that Tainan is not just a segment of Taiwan but also a global city, ideal for aspirations, employment, romance, wedlock, and recreation.
Should he win the election, Lai committed to dedicating his efforts to shaping Taiwan into a tranquil, democratic nation, thriving in innovation and prioritizing public welfare.
As opposition parties potentially form coalitions, Lai is bracing himself for the concluding stretch of the campaign.