Congratulations to Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and his running mate Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), Kuomintang (KMT) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, who recently defeated the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) and Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), presidential and vice-presidential condenders, respectively. I delve deeper into Taiwanese politics and government in my new travel guide, Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z, First Edition.
Ma, a former justice minister, Taipei mayor and KMT chairman, ran on a platform of "clean government" and economic change, themes which resonated with voters after the final four years of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) administration were marred by personal scandals involving his family and a lagging economy. Due in large part to economic concerns, the KMT trounced President Chen and his party in recent legislative elections, winning 86 of 113 seats. In the recent presidential election, Ma and his party won by approximately 17% of the vote, giving the "pan blue" camp control of both the executive and legislative branches. While many on Taiwan are elated that the new president will be able to implement his economic initiatives relatively unhindered, some on Taiwan, such as former President Lee, worry about the need for checks and balances in a democracy. Let's hope President Ma and his dedicated team can remain above petty political squabbles and remain focused on turning the economy around.
Born in Hong Kong (he and his family moved to Taiwan when he was one) and educated in law at Taiwan's top-ranking National Taiwan University and in the U.S. at NYU and Harvard, Ma held a high-profile news conference in English with local and international reporters immediately after his victory to answer queries related to his political and economic positions. He gave concrete proposals and demonstrated a pragmatic approach to working with allies as well as a keen understanding of some of the harsh political realities, namely dealing with Mainland China, that he will soon be facing. Ma Ying-jeou and his administration will take office on May 20, 2008.
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About Me
- Scott Freiberger
- Hard-working guy originally from Queens, New York, conversant in several languages including Japanese, Mandarin and Taiwanese. I love art, music, sports and all things Asian and am usually willing to try something new, different or exciting. Thrilled to have published my new Taiwan travel book Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z. http://www.TaipeiInADay.com.
Taipei In A Day
Taipei In A Day is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to thoroughly enjoy Taiwan. Discover relics and know where to stay and play by using the included maps, complete Taipei dining, hotel, museum, night market, parks, temple and pub guides. Active globe trekkers will appreciate the detailed Taipei Guide to Mountain Climbing. For a soothing spot of tea, find serenity at Tea Station. Names and addresses are also listed in Chinese, along with local phone numbers, so major attractions and interesting out-of-the-way locales around the island are readily found. Helpful communication tips, important vocabulary and useful phrases are at your fingertips. The encompassing “Taiwan From A To Z” section introduces local cues, customs and important cultural information so readers can be travelers rather than tourists. After reading Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z, First Edition you should be prepared for your visit, whether it spans a month, week, or weekend.
All materials contained on this site are copyright http://TaipeiInADay.com and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without written consent.
All materials contained on this site are copyright http://TaipeiInADay.com and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without written consent.