Courage, perseverance a must for democracy: LaiStaff writer, with CNAPresident William Lai (賴清德) yesterday honored the 30th anniversary of the first direct presidential election in Taiwan, calling on the legislature to pass a special defense budget to “safeguard” the country’s democracy and freedom. President William Lai’s social media post about 30 years of direct presidential elections yesterday. Today, “everyone must have the same courage to continue to walk confidently and firmly on the path of democracy,” he said. “However, the answer to this was already given to us by the people of Taiwan 30 years ago,” he said. “Democracy is never a provocation; only determination, perseverance and strength can safeguard” democracy and freedom.

Source: Taipei Times March 23, 2026 17:15 UTC