TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Against the backdrop of widespread public outrage over a horrific child abuse incident known as the "Kai Kai Case" (剴剴案), President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered an impassioned address Wednesday (May 7) underscoring his administration's commitment to creating safer environments for Taiwan's children. Speaking with evident concern, the president emphasized the urgent necessity of enhancing childcare service standards and establishing clearer qualification requirements and professional responsibilities for individuals working with children.
Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) headquarters, Taiwan's ruling political party, President Lai offered warm Mother's Day wishes to the nation's mothers while advocating for appreciation that extends beyond the annual celebration. He characterized traditional gender-based domestic divisions as antiquated, making a strong case for more equitable distribution of household duties and childcare responsibilities between parents. The president highlighted existing government policies that permit parents to request up to two years of parental leave with financial support, a measure designed to accommodate contemporary family structures and needs.
The president emphasized his administration's plans to bolster financial assistance programs for parents through expanded childcare subsidies and family allowances, creating a more supportive infrastructure for households navigating Taiwan's declining birthrate challenges. In a significant policy development, Lai revealed that the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, has formally approved a draft of the "Youth Basic Law" (青年基本法), comprehensive legislation designed to amplify young people's involvement in governance and guarantee their perspectives meaningfully shape national policies across various domains.
According to President Lai, the groundbreaking legislation proposes creating comprehensive local support networks specifically designed to incentivize young Taiwanese to return to their home communities, particularly in rural areas experiencing population decline. These initiatives would include policies guaranteeing affordable housing access and cultivating environments conducive to raising families. Concluding his remarks, the president called for sustained government commitment to social welfare programs, framing such investments as essential foundations for intergenerational prosperity and Taiwan's long-term sustainable development in an era of demographic challenges. ★