Candidates put spotlight on social welfare

The three main contenders in this month's election used last night's nationally televised forum as a platform to speak out on social welfare issues, each claiming they could do the best job of taking care of Taiwan's elderly, young and sick.

Speaking first on Taiwan Television Enterprise's live broadcast to the nation, The KMT's Lien Chan (連戰) promised early implementation of the National Pension Plan and benefits for new homeowners.

DPP candidate Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) continued to promote his "333 family welfare program" and also proposed another "555 women and children welfare program."

James Soong (宋楚瑜) criticized his two opponents for focusing on issues that had already received much attention, while disregarding equally significant problems.

Lien took credit for the National Health Insurance program, which was instituted during his term as premier in 1995, claiming it enjoyed 70 percent public support.

"But we need to talk about how to bring it more in line with the needs of the public," Lien said.

Lien advocated raising government contributions to health care from the current 5 percent of GDP in line with levels in more developed countries. Japan currently pays 8 percent of its GDP to health care, and the US 14 percent, he said.

Critics have pointed out that the National Health Insurance plan ran a deficit of NT$20 billion in 1999 -- up 500 percent, or NT$4.15 billion, from the previous year.

Low-income families should have access to free child care, free care for the elderly and for the handicapped, Lien said.

Chen's "555 plan" would reduce crimes against women by 50 percent, increase employment for women by 50 percent, and cut school drop-out rates by 50 percent, he said.

Chen also touched on his promise to make health insurance free for children under three and give the elderly over 65 monthly subsidies of NT$3,000 before the National Annuity Plan goes into effect.

Chen advocated lowering interest rates for first-time homeowners to three percent.

Speaking to the press after his speech, Lien said it was possible to give a lower rate than Chen.

"If Lien wants to follow in my footsteps and give a lower rate, then we welcome that," Chen responded in turn.

"The problem is that Lien needs to speak clearly and not give some weak response," Chen said.

Soong focused on his past work as provincial governor and also promised pensions for the elderly.

"When I worked for the provincial government, 90 percent of my election promises were carried out," Soong said. "All of the officials who were previously under Lien became a great team under me."

Lien served as provincial governor prior to James Soong.

Soong's pension plan for the elderly differs from that of other candidates in that he favors payments three times a year during three major Chinese holidays: Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-autumn Festival.

Lien said that he would implement the national pension plan by the end of 2001, blaming delays on last year's earthquake, which sapped national resources.