President Lai-Ching-te (賴清德) accepted an exclusive interview on “The View with Catherine Chang” Sunday night – his first TV program interview since taking office.
During the interview, held in commemoration of his first 100 days in office, President Lai spoke on his hometown trust and clarified his decision to convert his home into a museum honoring miners’ sacrifices for Taiwan.
Responding to a question about “giving the green light” on investigations into recent scandals, the president said his first responsibility is to the people. While he withheld his opinion about any active investigations and prosecutions, he said he supports the investigation of any alleged bad actors. President Lai further emphasized the independence of the judiciary from the executive branch.
The host pressed President Lai for his thoughts on the successive controversies involving the “Tainan Gang”, a group that includes Cheng Wan-tsan (鄭文燦), Lin I-Chin (林宜瑾), Former Transportation Minister Li Meng-Yan (孟諺等), and former Cabinet spokesman Chen Tsung-yen (陳宗彥). However, Lai reiterated his point that he respects the judicial system, and that inquiries must be made wherever there may be misdeeds regardless of party affiliation. He also reminded DPP members to be mindful with their words and actions, as crimes committed by party members will inevitably reflect upon their party.
President Lai also discussed cross-strait and diplomatic issues, reiterating the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. He revealed the context and meaning behind his 66th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment memorial speech, emphasizing that Taiwan’s future relies on united resistance against China’s aggression.