TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Anti-nuclear groups gathered outside the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, on Thursday (March 26) to protest President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) intention to restart nuclear power in Taiwan. Protesters accused Lai of betraying his election promises and engaging in deceptive practices to gain votes. The demonstration intensifies the debate over Taiwan's energy future.
President Lai, attending an AI event earlier that day, focused on Taiwan's competitive edge without mentioning nuclear power. He emphasized, "As president, my mission is to ensure Taiwan remains irreplaceable and to carry its competitive edge into the next generation." Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) remained silent on the nuclear issue while attending a sustainability forum, discussing only talent retention and generational coexistence.
Tsai Ya-ying (蔡雅瀅), an attorney at the Taiwan Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association (台灣蠻野心足生態協會), criticized President Lai for abandoning his campaign commitments. She stated, "You campaigned on deep energy conservation and made promises that got you elected. But now you've shown your true colors and forgotten your promise to save energy so as not to restart a nuclear power plant."
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) offered a potential solution to the nuclear waste issue on Wednesday (March 25), suggesting the use of dry storage facilities. The silence from both President Lai and former President Tsai on the nuclear issue during public appearances highlighted the sensitivity surrounding Taiwan's energy policy. Citizens continue to voice concerns as the government weighs nuclear power's potential benefits against its challenges. ◼