TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) took office alongside his appointed premier, Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), on Monday (May 20), promising to strengthen Taiwan's position both domestically and internationally.
This transition comes at a time when public opinion on the new leadership and its policies shows a nation divided, according to a recent survey by the TVBS Polling Center (TVBS 民調中心).
Public Opinion on New Leadership
The survey, conducted from May 10 to 17, highlights the Taiwanese public's cautious optimism and concerns about the new administration. Only 31% of respondents see Cho Jung-tai as a suitable premier, while 22% disagree, and a significant 48% remain undecided.
Similarly, Lai Ching-te's performance post-election has garnered a 35% satisfaction rate, with 26% dissatisfied and 38% withholding judgment. These figures suggest a populace waiting to see the tangible impacts of the new leadership.
The administration's approach to economic policies and reform efforts has received mixed reactions. Forty-five percent of those surveyed expressed confidence in the economic direction under Lai Ching-te, with 42% backing the reform efforts.
However, the handling of cross-strait relations with China presents a notable concern, with 53% lacking confidence in the administration's ability to manage these critical ties effectively.
The April electricity price hike further illustrates the public's apprehension towards policy decisions, with 47% opposing the increase and nearly 60% advocating for Legislative Yuan (立法院) approval for future hikes. This sentiment underscores the challenges facing Lai Ching-te and Cho Jung-tai as they navigate the complexities of governance, economic stability, and international relations.
As the new cabinet heads into its term, the administration faces the task of bridging these divides and building public trust. The coming months will be crucial for Lai Ching-te and Cho Jung-tai as they strive to address the concerns highlighted by the TVBS Polling Center survey and steer Taiwan toward a prosperous and stable future.