The ruling DPP released a new poll on Friday showing that President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) approval rating has reached 57.3 percent as he approaches his first year in office on May 20. Public satisfaction was highest with his administration’s national defense policies, while support for efforts to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty, promote diplomacy, and strengthen societal resilience also exceeded 50 percent.
DPP spokeswoman Han Ying (韓瑩) noted that Lai’s approval rating had briefly dipped to 46.7 percent in April amid global unease over the United States’ new reciprocal tariff policy. However, the administration’s swift rollout of five key countermeasures and industrial support programs helped push the rating to a record high in May. Han added that Lai enjoys particularly strong support among younger voters and women.
DPP spokesman Wu Cheng (吳崢) also pointed to key initiatives such as the Healthy Taiwan policy, which has received widespread praise. An expanded free cancer screening program earned 91.7 percent support, while more than 70 percent of respondents backed rent subsidies and tax cuts, especially among younger working-age adults.
Meanwhile, the opposition KMT announced plans to stage a protest on May 19.
KMT Secretary-General Justin Huang (黃健庭) accused Lai of prioritizing political infighting over the past year while neglecting the economy and public livelihoods. He also criticized Lai’s handling of trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming Taiwan’s interests have been compromised.
KMT spokeswoman Crystal Yang (楊智伃) said the party has secured a permit to hold a rally outside its headquarters on May 19. A motorcade will proceed to DPP headquarters, where participants will honk their horns twice to symbolize their call for Lai to step down.