TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, found support from his campaign director on Tuesday (Dec. 12) amid the fervent presidential campaign. The campaign director framed Lai as a victim of the system, citing Lai's family residence in Wanli District as a telling illustration.
Yao Li-ming, the campaign director for Lai, addressed critiques raised by Huang Kuo-chang, a candidate representing the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). Huang had previously urged Lai, as a DPP representative, to empathize with the challenges faced by the public.
In response, Yao criticized Huang, highlighting what he saw as Huang's insincerity in displaying emotions alongside Lin Yu-hong, who manages the controversial Facebook page "Lin Bay Hao You." Yao questioned the authenticity of Huang's empathy.
Yao also underscored the challenges faced by residents in mining areas, drawing a parallel to the past reconstructions of military dependents' villages, where residents faced restrictions on their residential rights. He argued that labeling distressed individuals as privileged is a harsh stance that voters should not endorse.
Yao expressed optimism about Lai's potential to address miners' housing rights and interests through legal and institutional reforms if he assumes office. Drawing parallels to past government efforts to rebuild military housing due to incomplete residential rights, Yao reiterated the campaign's commitment to addressing similar concerns among contemporary mining area residents.