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民主進步黨今（19）日召開第二十二屆第一次全國黨員代表大會，今年以「台灣好生活，團結拚未來」為主軸，從黨主席賴清德總統提出的「福利國家，加薪、減稅、增福利、少負擔」施政方向出發，向國人宣示民進黨將持續推動台灣進步，並團結各界力量，攜手為台灣拚出更好的未來。

今年適逢民主進步黨創黨40週年，也是台灣總統直選30週年，本屆全代會開幕式首先回顧民主前輩一路走來，追求民主自由的奮鬥歷程，為台灣開創民主新頁，一步步建立「綠色執政，品質保證」的招牌。

接著，民進黨提名的19位縣市長候選人，也從黨主席賴清德總統手中接下象徵責任與使命的戰旗，代表新世代政治工作者承接前輩對台灣、對人民的承諾與信念，也象徵中央與地方攜手合作，與台灣人民共同拚出更好的未來。

本屆全代會開幕式，首度邀請各國駐台使節與外賓共襄盛舉，包含聖克里斯多福及尼維斯范東亞大使、海地共和國潘恩大使、吐瓦魯國法莉莉大使、馬紹爾群島共和國卡蒂爾大使與許多外賓皆蒞臨出席。

此外，行政院長卓榮泰也於開幕式，向全體黨代表進行「台灣好生活，團結拚未來」施政成績報告。

賴清德主席於全代會開幕式致詞全文如下：

蕭美琴副總統、行政院卓榮泰院長、姚嘉文前主席、許信良前主席、謝長廷前主席、蘇貞昌前主席、游錫堃前主席、創黨十八人小組、各國駐台使節、總統府潘孟安秘書長、行政院鄭麗君副院長、民進黨徐國勇秘書長、立院黨團蔡其昌總召以及51戰隊，各位縣市長，縣市長候選人、各界貴賓，全體黨員代表同志，大家午安，大家好！

今天，我們在這裡召開全國黨員代表大會。對民進黨來說，這不是一場例行會議而已。因為此時此刻，我們正站在幾個重要的歷史交會點上。

今年是民主進步黨創黨四十週年，也是台灣總統直選三十週年，更是民進黨走過連續執政的十年。

這些數字，不只是時間的累積。它代表的是一代又一代台灣人，為了民主、自由、尊嚴所走過的路；也是民進黨從街頭、從反對運動、從地方基層，一路走到承擔國家治理責任的歷程。

感謝所有民主前輩，以及黨公職同志，今天出席創黨四十週年的全代會，一起感念前輩為民主的付出，共同打拚台灣的未來。

四十年前，民主進步黨在戒嚴、威權統治的年代誕生。那個時候，台灣沒有自由。很多話不能說，很多事不能做，很多人因為追求民主、人權，付出青春歲月、犧牲家庭幸福，甚至失去寶貴的生命。

但是，仍然有一群又一群人選擇站出來。

他們不是因為看見勝利才站出來，而是因為他們知道，如果沒有人願意站出來，台灣就不會有改變；如果沒有人願意承擔，下一代就不會有真正自由的生活。

如同創黨秘書長黃爾璇老師，在日記寫下：「自己就像希臘神話的普羅米修斯，偷天火給人類放大光明。明知這個過程，會觸怒天神，而遭受災難，但在所不惜。」

短短一句「在所不惜」，道盡民主前輩的信念與心境。即使知道前方滿地荊棘，仍勇往前行，因為，他們相信，只要點燃民主火種，終有一天，台灣人民一定能成為這塊土地真正的主人。

創黨前輩不惜以自由、生命為代價，勇敢對抗威權統治，才讓民主在台灣開枝散葉，我們每一個人都應該始終深深感念。

創黨四十年，民進黨經歷過挫折，也經歷過勝利；有過掌聲，也受過批評。這一路走來，我們最重要的資產，不是某一次選舉的勝敗，而是始終相信：台灣人民有權決定自己的未來，台灣這塊土地值得我們為後代子孫，用一生來守護。

各位同志，今年也是總統直選三十週年。

三十年前，台灣人民以無比勇氣，用手中神聖的選票，第一次直接選出國家的總統，那一天，台灣向全世界證明，我們的命運掌握在自己手中，不是別人可以安排，我們是民主國家的主人。

總統直選，也影響民進黨對國家定位的主張，先後在1999年、2004年通過《台灣前途決議文》與《族群多元、國家一體決議文》。

明確主張：台灣已經是主權獨立的國家，憲法上的名稱為中華民國，與中華人民共和國互不隸屬；不分族群，不論先來後到，只要認同台灣，就是國家的主人；台灣的前途，必須由2300萬台灣人民共同決定。

因此，團結台灣人民，捍衛台灣主權，守護民主自由、不只是一代代民主前輩傳承的使命，也是我們這代人的責任，更是我們對台灣人民永遠不變的承諾。

各位同志，今年也是民進黨再度受人民託付，連續執政滿十年，這是人民給我們的信任，也是人民給我們的責任。

上個月，瑞士洛桑管理學院 （IMD） 公布《2026年世界競爭力年報》，台灣排名全球第四。2016年民進黨接手執政時，台灣排名第十四；十年後，我們走到全球第四，創下歷年最佳成績。

這代表台灣在經濟表現、政府效能、企業效能、基礎建設四大面向，都獲得國際社會肯定。這也代表，台灣走在正確的道路上，民主治理可以有效率，民主國家可以有競爭力，民主台灣可以站上世界前段班。

這十年，台灣的經濟實力不斷壯大，成為全球半導體、人工智慧、資通訊、軍工、安控與次世代通訊的重要基地。

去年，台灣經濟成長率達到百分之8.76；就業情形15年來最好，代表貧富差距的吉尼係數也維持穩定；今年第一季，經濟成長率更達到百分之14.55，創下48年來新高。預估全年可達到百分之9.64，甚至突破百分之十，明年台灣將進入全球前二十大經濟體。

為確保未來在人工智慧時代的發展優勢，行政院卓榮泰院長率領的團隊，進一步推動AI新十大建設，也提出中小微企業千億升級轉型發展基金，讓科技產業攜手傳產，永續經濟發展。

這十年，我們也投入了歷史上最大規模的社會投資。把經濟果實回饋人民，這是民進黨的使命。我們推動「0到6歲國家一起養」、「0到18歲成長津貼」，擴大生育補貼，讓國家陪年輕家庭一起養育小孩；我們推動高中職全面免學費、私立大專校院學雜費補助，住宿租金補貼、學貸利息調降，減輕學生和家長負擔，落實民進黨的理念，教育平權。

同時，我們擴大長照預算，從2016年的49.5億，到今年編1,153 億元，也全面調高八大社福津貼，讓長輩更有照顧，讓弱勢家庭更有支撐。

也在這十年，台灣的民主更堅定，國際能見度不斷提升，面對威權擴張、假訊息攻擊、軍事威脅和外交打壓，台灣沒有退縮。台灣向世界證明，民主不是弱點，民主是力量；團結的台灣，可以在壓力中更加堅強，在挑戰中更加勇敢。

民進黨政府持續推動國防改革，強化不對稱戰力、國防自主與全民防衛韌性，讓台灣更有能力保護自己，也讓國際社會看見，台灣是維持台海和平穩定負責任的一方。我們不挑釁、不冒進，當然，我們也絕對不屈服、不退讓。

這十年，我們證明了：民主進步黨執政，台灣更安全更進步，經濟更好更有競爭力，台灣人民得到更好的照顧。台灣人民也更有自信，在文化、運動、教育的國際舞台，大放異彩。

在這裡，我要敬請大家用熱烈掌聲，感謝卓榮泰院長、鄭麗君副院長率領行政院團隊、蔡其昌總召帶領立法院51戰隊、徐國勇秘書長領軍中央黨部，以及各地黨公職攜手合作，讓政府穩健推動國家建設，落實增進人民福祉的政策。

我要特別強調，國家治理，不分中央與地方，只要地方踏出正確一步，國家就能持續向前進步。

在此，我也要感謝四位即將卸任的縣市長，陳其邁市長、黃偉哲市長、翁章梁縣長，還有因傷治療中的陳光復縣長所帶領的團隊。

然而，我們都知道，台灣的外來威脅仍然存在，我們雖然有很好的成績，但必須居安思危，在這個月，中國不顧國際反對，執意實施《民族團結進步促進法》，顯示對台法律戰，已從《反分裂國家法》的「反對獨立」，走向披著「民族團結」外衣的「強制統一」。

這部惡法，不僅企圖把台灣納入民族工作範疇，擴大法律追訴、迫使民眾自我審查，侵害台灣主權與國家尊嚴；更濫施跨境鎮壓，將威權觸角伸向世界各國，威脅全球民主秩序。

對此，政府一定會建立完善的制度，來進行預防、反制、以及保護機制，確保全國人民的安全。並持續深化與國際民主陣營合作，共同捍衛民主普世價值與基本人權。

我也期待黨內同志站在第一線，團結一致，共同反對中國「紅色恐怖」對台灣社會的威脅，齊心守護民主自由的生活方式，絕對不讓「民主台灣」走回頭路，變成「中國台灣」。

當前，台灣正處在一個關鍵時刻，人民對民主進步黨有更深切的期待。

民進黨的責任，不但要把人民生活中的困難，一件一件處理好，經濟發展好，更要把國家顧好。

因此，年底這場選舉，民進黨秉持三大原則，全力爭取人民的支持，承擔台灣以及人民的責任。

第一， 新世代扛起新時代：

我們所推出的候選人，都是一時之選，有立委、議長、行政首長、教授、律師、醫師，他們都有台灣優先的理念、治理城市的專業，解決問題的能力，也都有和人民站在一起的決心。

台灣已經逐步邁向新時代，提名新世代的治理人才，就是要扛起新時代的新台灣。

而新的地方治理，不僅要有優秀的縣市長，也需要卓越的縣市議員、鄉鎮市長，共同組成新世代團隊，來領航新時代，一起共同打拚。

第二，推出共同政見 - 打造台灣好生活：

今天，我要再次向全國父老鄉親報告，民進黨年底選舉的共同政見「台灣好生活」，是希望持續透過「加薪、減稅、增福利、少負擔」，逐步邁向「福利國家」的願景，讓年輕人看見希望、壯年人實現夢想、老年人擁有幸福、弱勢者得到照顧。

第三，愛民如親：

我想借用「咱大家的歐吉桑」信介仙的一段話，來勉勵所有投入年底選舉的同志，「政治家一定要很仁慈，比醫生還要仁慈，看到別人的痛苦，就像看到自己親人的痛苦，有這種心才能當政治家。」

這段話提醒我們，政治的本質就是「愛民如親」，為政者要以溫暖的心，親切的行動，贏得人民的信賴。 

如此，才能讓台灣人民清楚知道：選擇民進黨，就是選擇穩健改革、選擇更好的生活、選擇台灣持續向前走。

我要誠懇拜託全國鄉親好朋友，全力支持民進黨所有候選人，讓他們高票當選，讓縣市的好人才，團結打拚，共同打造民主、和平、繁榮的台灣，讓每一位生活在這塊土地上的人民，都能安居樂業，勇敢逐夢，追求更美好的人生。謝謝大家。

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Address by Chairman Lai Ching-te at the DPP National Party Congress, July 19, 2026

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai of the Executive Yuan, former Chairpersons Yao Chia-wen, Hsu Hsin-liang, Hsieh Chang-Ting , Su Tseng-chang, and Yu Shyi-kun, the Group of the 18 Founding Members, friends of the diplomatic corps in Taiwan, Secretary-General Pan Meng-an of the Presidential Office, Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun of the Executive Yuan, DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung, Legislative Yuan DPP Caucus Leader Tsai Chi-chang and our 51-legislator caucus, mayors and county magistrates, candidates for county and city governments, distinguished guests, and all fellow party delegates: Good afternoon! Hello, everyone!

 

We convene today's National Party Congress at a moment that is, for the Democratic Progressive Party. This event is far more than any routine; we stand at several pivotal crossroads of history. 

 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party, the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential elections, and a decade of continuous governance by the DPP.

 

These numbers are not merely the accumulation of time. They represent the journey taken by generation after generation of the Taiwanese people in their pursuit of democracy, freedom, and dignity. This journey coincidentally happens to be the DPP's trajectory: from the streets, through the opposition movement, and now to the weight of national governance it bears.

 

I want to thank all our democratic pioneers and party members in public office for joining today's National Party Congress as we mark our 40th anniversary. Together, we honor the sacrifices of our predecessors in the pursuit of democracy, and we commit ourselves to the future of Taiwan.

 

Forty years ago, the Democratic Progressive Party was born under the era of martial law and authoritarian rule. In those days, Taiwan had no freedom. Many words could not be spoken; many things could not be done. In pursuit of democracy and human rights, many have sacrificed their youth, their family’s happiness, and even their valuable lives.

 

However, people still chose to stand up. They stood up not because victory was in sight, but because they understood that Taiwan would never change if no one dared to step up and move forward; If no one is willing to take risks, the next generation would never experience true freedom. 

 

As our founding Secretary-General, Professor Huang Erh-hsuan, wrote in his diary: "Much like Prometheus of Greek mythology, who stole celestial fire to illuminate mankind, I knew well that such an act would provoke the gods and invite catastrophe. Yet, I remained completely undeterred." 

 

This simple phrase of “remained completely undeterred" sums up the convictions and state of mind of our democratic pioneers. Even knowing the road ahead was covered in thorns, they still marched forward courageously. They did so because they believed that as long as the spark of democracy was ignited, one day, the Taiwanese people would become the true masters of this land.

 

Our founding pioneers bravely opposed authoritarian rule at the cost of their freedom and lives, allowing democracy to blossom and bear fruit in Taiwan. We must always and deeply hold them in our gratitude. 

 

Over the past forty years, the DPP has experienced setbacks and victories, received applause, and faced criticism. Along this journey, our most vital asset has not been the outcome of any single election, but our unwavering belief: that the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their own future, and the land of Taiwan is worth defending with our entire lives for the sake of our children and generations to come.

 

My fellow party members, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of our direct presidential elections.

 

Thirty years ago, with immense courage and the sacred ballots in their hands, the people of Taiwan directly elected their president for the very first time. On that day, Taiwan proved to the world that our destiny is in our own hands, not in the hands of others. We are the masters of this democratic country.

 

Direct presidential elections also shaped the DPP’s stance on national identity, leading to the passage of the “Resolution on Taiwan's Future” in 1999 and the “Resolution on Ethnic Diversity and National Unity” in 2004.

 

These resolutions explicitly state that Taiwan is already an independent and sovereign country; its constitutional name is the “Republic of China”, and it is not subordinate to the “People's Republic of China”. Regardless of ethnic origin or when you arrived in this country, if you identify with Taiwan, then you are a master of this country. The future of Taiwan must be decided collectively by the 23 million people of Taiwan.

 

Therefore, uniting the Taiwanese people, defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, and safeguarding our democracy and freedom are not just missions handed down by generations of democratic pioneers; they are the responsibility of our generation, and our everlasting promise to the people of Taiwan.

 

My fellow party members, this year also marks ten consecutive years of DPP’s governance entrusted by the people. This is the trust they have placed in us, and the responsibility they have given us. 

 

Last month, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, released its 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook. Taiwan ranked fourth globally, up two spots from last year. When the DPP took office in 2016, Taiwan was ranked 14th. Ten years later, we have reached fourth in the world, marking our best performance in history.

 

This shows that Taiwan’s economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure have all gained recognition from the international society. It also demonstrates that Taiwan is on the right path: democratic governance can be efficient, democratic nations can be competitive, and a democratic Taiwan can stand among the best in the world. 

 

Over these ten years, Taiwan's economic strength has grown continuously, making us a global vital hub for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, defense industries, security control, and next-generation communications.

 

Last year, Taiwan's economic growth rate reached 8.76%, our employment rate was at its best within these 15 years, meaning the Gini coefficient, which measures the wealth gap, remained stable. During the first quarter of this year, our economic growth rate reached 14.55%, which is a 48-year high. The annual projection is expected to reach 9.64%, and may even surpass 10%,  and next year we will enter the world's top twenty economies. 

 

To secure our developmental advantage in the era of artificial intelligence, Premier Cho’s executive team has launched the “10 AI Initiatives” and even stepped further to proposed a 100 billion NTD upgrade and transformation fund for small, medium, and micro enterprises, fostering collaboration between technology and traditional industries to drive sustainable economic development.

 

Over the past decade, we have also committed the largest social investments in history. Sharing economic prosperity with the people is the DPP’s mission. We have implemented the "Raising Children Together from Age 0 to 6" policy and "Growth Allowances for Ages 0 to 18," expanding maternity subsidies, letting the state stand with young families in raising children, we have implemented universal tuition-free policies for senior high and vocational schools, tuition subsidies for private colleges and universities, student dormitory rental allowances, and lower student loan interest rates. These measures reduce the financial burden on students and parents alike,fulfilling the core philosophy of the DPP, making educational equity a reality.

 

At the same time, we have expanded the long-term care budget from 4.95 billion NTD in 2016 to 115.3 billion NTD this year. We have also comprehensively raised the eight major social welfare allowances to ensure our seniors are better cared for and vulnerable families are better supported.

 

During these ten years, Taiwan’s democracy has grown more resilient, and our international visibility has consistently risen. In the face of authoritarian expansion, disinformation campaigns, military threats, and diplomatic pressure, Taiwan has not backed down. Taiwan has proven to the world that democracy is not a weakness; it is strength. A united Taiwan can grow stronger under pressure and braver amid challenges.

 

The DPP government continues to advance defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, defense autonomy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. This ensures Taiwan is better equipped to protect itself and shows the international community that Taiwan is a responsible party in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We do not provoke, we do not act rashly, and of course, we will absolutely not succumb, nor will we back down.

 

Over the past decade, we have proven that under the Democratic Progressive Party’s governance, Taiwan has become safer and more progressive, its economy has grown stronger and more competitive, and the Taiwanese people have received better care. The people of Taiwan have also gained greater confidence to shine brightly on the international stage of culture, sports, and education.

 

I want to thank Premier Cho Jung-tai and Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun for leading our executive branch, Caucus Leader Tsai Chi-chang for guiding our 51 legislator caucus, Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung for spearheading our DPP Headquarters, and all local party officials and public representatives for working hand in hand. Together, we have enabled the government to steadily advance national development and implement policies that enhance the well-being of our people.

 

I want to emphasize that national governance makes no distinction between central and local government. When local communities move forward, the nation moves forward.

 

Here, I would also like to express my gratitude to our four outgoing mayors and county magistrates: Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and his team, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-cher and his team, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang and his team, and Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and his team, who is currently undergoing medical treatment for an injury.

 

However, we are all aware, the external threats facing Taiwan remain persistent. Although we have achieved strong results, we must stay vigilant in times of peace. This month, disregarding international opposition, China willfully implemented its “Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law.” This demonstrates that its legal warfare against Taiwan has shifted from 'opposing independence' under the 'Anti-Secession Law' to 'enforced unification' cloaked in disguise of 'ethnic unity.'

 

This malicious law not only attempts to incorporate Taiwan into the scope of China's ethnic affairs, thereby expanding legal prosecution, forcing self-censorship among our people, and infringing upon Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity, but it also abuses long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border repression, extending the tentacles of authoritarianism worldwide and threatening the global democratic order. 

 

In response, the government will strictly establish a comprehensive system to implement prevention, counteraction, and protection mechanisms, thereby ensuring the safety of all citizens. Furthermore, we will continue to deepen cooperation with the international democratic alliance to jointly defend universal democratic values and fundamental human rights.

 

I also expect our party members to stand on the front lines, united in opposing the threat of China's "Red Terror" upon Taiwanese society. Let us work with one heart to guard our democratic and free way of life, and we will never allow a "Democratic Taiwan" to regress into "China Taiwan."

 

At this moment, Taiwan is at a critical juncture, and the people hold deeper expectations for the Democratic Progressive Party.

 

The DPP's responsibility is not only to resolve the difficulties in people's daily lives and to develop our economy well, but also to secure the country with strength.

 

Therefore, in the elections at the end of this year, the DPP will uphold three major principles, giving our all to win the support of the public and to shoulder our responsibilities to Taiwan and its people.

 

First, Our Candidates: a New Generation for the New Era:

 

The candidates we have put forward are outstanding choices from all walks of life, including legislators, council presidents, government ministers, professors, lawyers, and physicians. They all possess the ideal of putting Taiwan first, professional expertise in urban governance, problem-solving abilities, and the determination to stand with the people.

 

Taiwan has gradually stepped into a new era. By nominating governance talents of the new generation, we aim to carry the weight of Taiwan's new era.

 

And new local governance requires not only excellent mayors and county magistrates, but also outstanding local councilors, and township mayors, working together to form a new-generation team to steer this new era, to strive and work together as one. 

 

Second, Introducing Our Joint Platform: A Good Life in Taiwan

 

Today, I would like to report once again to my fellow citizens across the nation. The DPP's shared platform for the year-end elections, “A Better Life for Taiwan,” aims to continuously raise wages, cut taxes, expand benefits, and reduce financial burdens. Through these efforts, we are steadily moving toward our vision of a welfare state, one where the youth see hope, adults realize their dreams, the elderly enjoy happiness, and the disadvantaged receive care.

 

Third, Cherishing the People as One's Own Family: 

 

I would like to borrow a quote from our late pioneer Huang Hsin-chieh, to encourage our candidates running in the November elections: "A politician must be deeply compassionate—even more compassionate than a doctor. You must see other people's pain as the pain of your own family. Only with this kind of heart can one truly be a politician."
 

These words remind us that the essence of politics is to "cherish the people as one's own family." Those in government must win the trust of the people with a warm heart and compassionate actions.

 

By this way, can we let the Taiwanese people know clearly: choosing the DPP is choosing steady reform, choosing a better life, and choosing to keep Taiwan moving forward.

 

I would like to sincerely appeal to my fellow citizens and friends across the nation to fully support all DPP candidates. Let us help them secure a resounding victory so that we can unite to fight for our future. Together, we can build a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Taiwan, ensuring that everyone living on this land can live and work in peace, chase their dreams with courage, and pursue a better life. Thank you all.