DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) last night reiterated his campaign theme of a "shift of power" in government, claiming Taiwan could not wait any longer for change.
Chen, the youngest of the three main candidates, said that although at 50 he could wait to become president, Taiwan did not have the luxury of time.
Chen mapped out his vision for what a government should be: "It is a government which emphasizes cost-effectiveness. It is a government for all the people. It is not run by one man or one party. It does not allow the existence of corruption and collusion between government officials and businessmen," he said.
"The KMT has ruled Taiwan for 55 years -- more than half a century. But do you feel safe in the country?" Chen asked. "The KMT cannot feel the pain of the people. It's time to let another party bring justice and safety to the people."
He reminded people that Lien stepped down as premier because of his poor performance on maintaining public security.
Taking care of the welfare of the police is the premise of improving public security, Chen contended.
"Our policemen are frequently overworked and suffer too much pressure, he said. "Policemen should work on an eight-hours-a-day basis," Chen proposed.
Currently police officers work 12 hours a day.
Chen elaborated on his welfare policy. In addition to his previous promise to recruit women as staff for at least 25 percent of his Cabinet, Chen yesterday proposed a "555 women and children welfare program" to relieve women of their burdens.
Chen said he would increase the number of professional babysitters and kindergarten teachers by 50 percent; the employment rate for women would be raised by 50 percent; high school dropout rates would decrease by 50 percent; the burdens faced by women taking care of their families would be reduced by 50 percent; and the number of female victims of violent crimes would be lowered by 50 percent. All this, he said, would take place within four years.
Chen presented again his "333 family welfare program (三三三安家福利專案)," promising to offer a preferential housing loan interest rate of 3 percent to those who buy a house for the first time.
Before the National Annuity Plan (
Chen went on to declare that if he gets elected, he would seek to promote peace in the Strait, but that he would not consent to opening talks with China under pressure from Beijing.
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