The News Lens
Date: May 20, 2016
By: Edward White

Tsai Ing-wen was today sworn in as the new president of Taiwan.

For Taiwan, the day was historic on many counts. The country has its first female president. It also now has in power a reform-pledging leader with a massive mandate for change and a majority in the legislature.

At the inauguration in Taipei this morning, a calm and mostly quiet crowd of thousands sat or stood, listened and watched, occasionally clapped in support, as a new era in Taiwan politics and cross-strait relations began.

What Tsai said

Tsai’s inaugural address clearly laid out the magnitude of the challenge facing the new administration.

Almost every facet of society was covered: from the need to overhaul the pension, education, childcare and judicial systems, to reshaping and repositioning a struggling economy while protecting the environment and lifting youth wages.

Tsai also committed to a transitional justice process to address the crimes of Taiwan’s past, and she signalled greater autonomy for the island’s indigenous population.     [FULL  STORY]