TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reflected Wednesday (July 30) on Taiwan's arduous path to democracy while emphasizing national unity during challenging times. She delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the Digital Reunion: Reconnecting with Mr. Democracy Lee Teng-hui (數位李登輝特展) exhibition, sharing personal memories of her political interactions with the late president during the transformative 1990s. The ceremony honored Lee's pivotal role in Taiwan's democratic transformation.
Tsai recounted the transformative Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) era, which witnessed pivotal democratic reforms including the Wild Lily Student Movement (野百合學運), Taiwan's pro-democracy student protests, the end of martial law-era restrictions, and Taiwan's inaugural presidential election. She emphasized that these landmark events fundamentally reshaped Taiwan's democratic trajectory and political landscape. Tsai argued that Taiwanese democracy transcends mere rhetoric, becoming deeply embedded in citizens' daily experiences and democratic choices, while encouraging deeper reflection on civic engagement's true significance.
The exhibition serves as Tsai's vehicle to commemorate Lee's enduring democratization legacy while expressing unwavering confidence in future generations' commitment to democratic values and freedom. She thanked dedicated volunteers and overseas friends who traveled back to Taiwan during critical recall elections, emphasizing their civic participation. Tsai highlighted how each individual act of democratic engagement strengthens Taiwan's democratic foundations and propels the nation's political evolution forward.
Tsai extended a public invitation to visit the exhibition, urging citizens to explore Taiwan's democratic heritage and envision its future trajectory. She encouraged visitors to draw inspiration and courage from Taiwan's democratic journey while preparing to collectively confront emerging challenges. The former president emphasized the importance of understanding Taiwan's political evolution as the island democracy enters its next critical developmental phase. ◼