DPP's Lai promises to level up salaries in Taiwan

Taipei, Dec. 14 (CNA) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday evening that his government would intensify efforts to level up salaries in Taiwan, in an apparent attempt to appeal to young voters.

In a televised interview aired by the Chinese Television System (CTS), Lai, the incumbent vice president, acknowledged the government's "shortcomings" in helping young people get ahead in life, which had left them feeling deprived and uncared for.

With recent polls suggesting that the DPP's support among under 30s has dropped significantly after nearly eight years in power, Lai said he would prioritize increasing salaries when asked how he planned to win back the youth vote.

Under the government of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), the minimum wage in Taiwan has been raised from NT$20,008 (US$640) in 2016 to the current NT$26,400, Lai said, adding that it would be increased further to NT$27,470 starting next year.

Lai then promised to continue raising the minimum wage in the country, without providing details, and pledged to work to promote economic development and industrial upgrades so that businesses would provide more better-paying jobs.

The comment came just one day after a bill seeking to ensure the minimum wage is adjusted regularly with reference to the annual rise of the consumer price index (CPI) cleared the Legislature.

Since coming to power in 2016, the Tsai government has raised the minimum wage in the country every year, but the NT$27,470 amount will still fall short of Tsai's pledge that the minimum wage should be raised to NT$30,000 by the end of her second term in 2024.