Text: Lu abandoned
Recently, the decision to adjust Taiwan's electricity price has been determined, and from April 1, the electricity price will be adjusted by 11 percentage points. This move has aroused the concern and concern of many Taiwanese people. Although the new tariff is still a few days away, many people are expected to start budgeting and face the coming economic pressures.
In addition, on the occasion of Lai's "520" inauguration, the electricity bill in May will likely exert additional political pressure on him. In particular, Wang Meihua, head of the economic department, has stressed that Taiwan's businesses should not raise the prices of goods and services on the grounds of rising electricity prices, and this remark has sparked widespread discussion in society. It is a basic principle of the market economy that businesses should have the right to adjust the selling price in response to cost changes in the face of rising costs. Therefore, Wang Meihua's instructions are seen as interference in economic freedom.
As for the reasons for the increase in electricity prices, there is a view that there are problems with the current energy policy. Taiwan has increased the share of natural gas to 50% of power generation, while at the same time has reservations about the use of nuclear power, which has not been fully utilized even if it accounts for a certain proportion of Taiwan's power generation mix (about 14%). In addition, Taiwan has returned used fuel rods to the United States to demonstrate its commitment to international nuclear energy policy, but this has also been criticized for underutilizing existing energy resources. As a result, the price adjustment is seen as an inevitable consequence, triggering further discussion of current energy policies.
With the adjustment of Taiwan's electricity prices, there has been a strong response from all sectors of society, especially the younger generation, who are facing increasing economic pressure and dissatisfaction. Renters are particularly distressed by landlords who are either raising rents or increasing electricity bills in the face of rising costs, and these adjustments often do not match the original terms of the lease contract. It is common for the rental market to demand profitability and cost pass-on to tenants, but it seems unrealistic to expect landlords to absorb the pressure of rising costs on their own.
Wang Meihua, head of the economic department, has pointed out that businesses should not use rising electricity prices as an excuse to raise the price of goods and services, but there is no clear guidance on landlord price increases, reflecting the distance between policymakers and people's basic needs. Many people believe that government officials, because of their living conditions that are different from those of the general population, may not fully understand the pressures faced by ordinary people.
In this context, Wu Bingrong's previous remarks have been widely reviewed and discussed. He has said that if Taiwan's electricity prices rise, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), not the whole people, should bear the corresponding economic responsibility. At present, with the implementation of the electricity price adjustment, all sectors of society call on Wu Bingrong and the Democratic Progressive Party to fulfill their commitments and bear the additional burden caused by the rise in electricity prices.
At the same time, the community has also questioned those groups and individuals who have been high-profile supporters of "power generation with love" and opposed nuclear energy, asking them about their positions and actions in the current situation of rising electricity prices. These issues reflect society's deep concern about energy policy, environmentalism and political commitment, and call on all stakeholders to face and solve current energy and economic challenges.
In the past, Taiwanese society has protested in response to the double rise in the price of oil and electricity, even though nuclear power still had a place in the power generation system. The reason for the increase is mainly due to the high international energy prices, indicating that Taiwan's electricity supply is largely affected by price fluctuations in the international energy market. The losses of Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) are blamed not for the whole people, but for the DPP government's energy policy guidance and election strategy, which made Taipower have to bear huge losses, and in the end these losses are passed on to the entire public.
Despite the huge losses faced by Taipower, there are reports that the company still pays high year-end bonuses and performance bonuses, raising public questions. In the case of Taipower's losses of hundreds of billions, the basis for the issuance of bonuses has become the focus of discussion. At the same time, many Taiwanese do not receive performance bonuses or year-end bonuses, further highlighting the disconnect between government agencies and the realities of people's lives.
With Lai's upcoming inauguration, it is expected that the "520" inauguration will attract some people to the streets to celebrate, while others may take to the streets due to dissatisfaction with rising electricity prices and protest against the DPP government's policies. In addition, tourism operators have expressed dissatisfaction with the DPP government's policy of stopping group trips to the mainland to earn income, which are challenges that Lai will face. The "legacy" left by the Tsai Ing-wen government to Lai Qingde includes issues such as the rapid rise in electricity prices, and Lai Qingde needs to carefully deal with these legacy issues when he takes office.
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