Concerns over jobs, not war, preoccupy young voters in Taiwan election

Ziwei spent months living in a small, windowless apartment in Taipei that smelled of sewage. She was a civil servant, but her low monthly pay meant that was all she could afford. Ziwei's living situation is a common struggle for many young Taiwanese voters under the age of 40. While past elections have focused on China's claims on Taiwan, this time the economy is the top concern. Rising house prices and rentals, stagnant incomes, high youth unemployment, and slow GDP growth have left many feeling frustrated with the current government. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been criticized for its failure to improve people's lives, particularly those of younger Taiwanese. Many are disillusioned with the DPP and are turning to other parties, such as the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), led by Ko Wen-je, a former surgeon. The TPP has gained traction among young voters with promises of change. The DPP, aware of the loss of faith in them, has pledged to build affordable housing, raise the minimum wage, and invest in upskilling younger workers. However, solving economic issues must be a top priority for whichever party wins the election, as many young people are already leaving Taiwan in search of better prospects elsewhere. Despite the challenges, some young people, like Ziwei, remain hopeful for the future and are determined to make things better.