Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) says Taiwanese people’s ability to freely express their thoughts is a key element in a healthy democracy. The remarks come as April 7 marks the annual Freedom of Speech Day in Taiwan.
Chen took to Facebook to praise Taiwanese people for being able to criticize the government and freely discuss social issues. He adds that Taiwan’s democracy allows people to think independently in a rapidly-changing world.
Taiwan was ranked the freest country in Asia in 2022’s Human Freedom Index by the Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute. Chen also says Taiwan has been the No. 1 target for false information, according to the University of Gothenburg, a Sweden-based university.
April 7 was designated as the Freedom of Speech Day to commemorate Cheng Nan-jung (鄭南榕), a Taiwanese publisher. Chen was a pro-democracy activist that self-immolated in 1989 in support of freedom of speech.
Chen says Taiwanese people should remind ourselves that false information is intended to cause chaos in society. He adds that people should seek the truth in order to find common ground with one another, and continue to defend the freedom of speech to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy.