On May 20th, as Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen attended a farewell event at the Presidential Office, she expressed her hope for Taiwan to remain united. She mentioned that in the future, she will continue to journey alongside everyone in different roles.
President-elect of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, is set to be inaugurated on May 20th. During her speech at the “Presidential Office Farewell Event” today, Tsai Ing-wen acknowledged the colleagues present, whether they had been working there since her assumption of office in 2016 or joined later from 2020 onwards. She reflected on the many speeches she had delivered and the memories shared with colleagues. Today marked her last address and photo session at the Presidential Office.
Tsai Ing-wen expressed gratitude towards the people, acknowledging their support over the past eight years since she took on the responsibility of leading the nation and implementing various reforms. She highlighted the challenges faced together, witnessing Taiwan’s progress and transformations during her tenure as President.
Reflecting on various initiatives, Tsai Ing-wen cited events like the “Taiwanese Heroes’ Victory Parade” and the unique program “Stay Overnight at the Presidential Office,” which brought lively energy and showcased Taiwan’s values through collaborative efforts. These projects, which marked firsts in the nation, contributed to enhancing the public’s experience of the Presidential Office and promoting democratic ideals.
Acknowledging the collective efforts that led to numerous achievements, Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the importance of unity for Taiwan’s future growth and development. She encouraged confidence among the people, underscoring the significance of collaborative endeavors in advancing national interests and fostering a sense of unity.
Looking ahead, Tsai Ing-wen shared her optimism for the incoming leadership of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin, expressing confidence in their dedication to achieving more milestones that would make Taiwan proud. She reassured the public of her commitment to continue walking alongside them in various capacities in the future.
During his address, President-elect Lai Ching-te conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of colleagues and Taiwanese society to President Tsai for her dedicated service to the nation over the past eight years. He praised her leadership in navigating complex international challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trade disputes, and geopolitical tensions, which positioned Taiwan prominently on the global stage.
Reflecting on domestic issues, Lai Ching-te commended President Tsai’s resolve in addressing pressing concerns like pension reform, gender equality, economic and energy transitions, transitional justice, and military reforms, earning international recognition and support for her endeavors.
Lai Ching-te noted substantial growth in Taiwan’s stock market and economic performance during President Tsai’s term, attributing the achievements to the collaboration and efforts of the Taiwanese people. He highlighted initiatives promoting economic inclusivity, such as raising the minimum wage and implementing salary adjustments for public sector employees, underlining the importance of shared economic prosperity and social advancement.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside President Tsai, Lai Ching-te acknowledged her positive impact on Taiwan’s trajectory and expressed confidence in leading a new team to further enhance Taiwan’s presence on the international stage.
He extended appreciation to Lin Chia-lung, who served as Presidential Office Secretary-General, for his outstanding contributions and wished him success in his future role as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Lai Ching-te concluded by offering well wishes to President Tsai for her future endeavors and underscored the importance of her continued engagement in national affairs to ensure stability, progress, and enhanced quality of life for the people.
In conclusion, the transition of leadership marks a significant moment for Taiwan as it looks towards a future guided by unity, collaboration, and a shared vision for prosperity and well-being.