Representative Words “Greed, Infighting, and Deception” Microcosm of DPP Rule
United Daily News Commentary, December 11, 2024
The top three words in the United Daily News' annual poll—"greed," "infighting," and "deception"—highlight the failures of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) eight years in power. Despite the public’s vote to prevent the DPP from having a monopoly on power, the ruling party has shown disrespect for the legislature and even sought the Constitutional Court's support to undermine opposition parties, blocking legislative oversight measures and misleading the public about the constitutionality of the death penalty. These three words—"greed," "infighting," and "deception"—accurately capture the situation.
These issues are intertwined with ongoing corruption scandals and the government’s inability to curb rising fraudulent schemes. Cheng Wen-tsan, who formerly served as Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) chairman, vice premier, and Taoyuan mayor, was implicated in a bribery case and is facing a lengthy prison sentence. Further investigation revealed additional evidence of corruption. Despite public outrage, the case was reportedly suppressed for years, contributing to the perception of official corruption and dishonesty.
The administration of President Lai Ching-te removed Cheng, which should have been seen as a positive move. However, despite this action, the "group" protecting Cheng remained intact, and numerous corruption cases were left unresolved, leading to accusations of political infighting and factionalism within the ruling party.
The case of Chen Chi-yu, former chairman of Taiyen Biotech Company, who was involved a green energy scandal, further fueled public dissatisfaction with the DPP's energy policies. Under the DPP’s campaign to promote a “nuclear-free homeland,” the push for green energy has led to higher electricity prices, the destruction of farmland, and the perception of a "corrupt city" in the capital. The green energy sector has seen certain businesses profiting at the expense of the public, reinforcing the public’s association of the DPP with corruption and deceit.
After eight years under DPP governance, many scandals have emerged. The public, through the ballot, hoped to prevent the DPP from dominating the Legislative Yuan and expected the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to hold the government accountable. However, the DPP not only disrespected the majority in the Legislative Yuan but also sought to undermine the process by petitioning for constitutional interpretations that protected executive power. This move exemplified the DPP’s greed for power and its internal infighting against political opponents.
TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je has also faced allegations of corruption and political mishandling, which has created public unrest. Originally supported by small donors, Chairman Ko's financial mismanagement has left many feeling deceived.
Gymnast Tang Chia-hong, when asked about the representative words, interpreted "greed" as the ambition of athletes striving for victory. This desire can be turned into a positive force and shared with supporters, showing a path forward.
Indeed, the public "greed" for peace and normal exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, political integrity, social harmony, and justice is clear. The problem is that the Lai administration has failed to meet these desires.