DPP should listen to the voices of its young lions

Recently, the three candidates running for chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) proposed their visions for the party's development. As the DPP's younger generation, we also have many expectations for the party's future. We hereby propose our views in order to prompt public discussion within the party on today's election.

First, a new discourse: The DPP must propose a new discourse on party affairs, rather than repeating the mantra of the party's glorious history. It must completely break free from its traditional ideology of victimhood, and inspire pride in party members with a new forward-looking ideology.

Second, insistence on Taiwan's self-awareness: The party must let the public know that only the DPP can truly uphold the nation's interests, protect its roots and strike the proper balance between Taiwan's self-awareness and opening to China.

Third, deepening of multiculturalism: The DPP must change its traditional identification with the colonized, and instead integrate various domestic and international cultures, and deepen the links between Chinese culture and Taiwanese culture. Cultural and political identifications can be separated. The party must replace its narrow identification with a more diverse one in order to discourage cultural illiberalism.

Fourth, equal emphasis on both localization and globalization: Localization and globalization need to be integrated. The DPP must highlight Taiwan's characteristics through the channels of globalization, and internalize the spirit of internationalism in its localization discourse. Localization and globalization can then be complementary.

Fifth, a strong response to China's challenge: The DPP must face China's challenge in a careful but confident manner. It is the party's responsibility to tell the public about both the risks and opportunities that China presents. It must also deepen Taiwan's own values, while attracting investors from all over the globe, giving the world a stake in the nation's safety.

Sixth, the fusion of Taiwan's democracy and sovereignty: In light of the Chinese Nationalist Party's (KMT) pro-China stance, the DPP must safeguard Taiwan's democratic values and national sovereignty, and stress the inseparability of the two.

Seventh, the cultivation of new generations: The DPP must actively cultivate new generations, establish a "youth party chapter," organize a sustainable talent pool, expand the practical ability and theoretical knowledge of young people, and allow them to increase their influence on the decision-making process inside the party.

Eighth, extensive discussion on constitutional reform: Discussion on constitutional reform must not be monopolized by a single discourse. Such discussion should not be taboo. Making a new constitution is not equal to establishing a new country. Taiwan should have a rational, liberal, and open discussion on the issue.

We hope the new chairperson can face the twin challenges posed by the KMT and China in a confident and aggressive manner, so as to lead the DPP to win back the public's trust and support.

The Generations Forum is a group of DPP staff mostly in their late 20s and early 30s.

TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG