Progressivism in Taiwan

This article gives an overview of liberalism in Taiwan. It is limited to liberal parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in the Legislative Yuan (parliament).

Liberal parties in Taiwan

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is a centrist social liberal and progressive party in Taiwan. It grew out of the Tangwai movement formed in the 1970s to oppose the ruling Kuomintang. However, DPP has a conservative wing within the party, and their support bases are from Southern Taiwan, which also is the voter base of DPP, while there are more social liberal wings from the Taipei metropolitan areas. As of the 2020 legislative elections, the DPP holds a majority of 61 legislative seats.

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) is a progressive party characterised primarily by its Taiwanese nationalism and derives its membership from both the Kuomintang's former moderate and Taiwan-oriented fringe and DPP supporters disgruntled by the party's moderation on the question of Taiwanese sovereignty. Its liberal character is questionable, although it is part of the DPP's pro-Taiwan independence Pan-Green alliance. The TSU lost all of its seats in the 2016 elections.

The New Power Party (NPP) is a social-liberal and progressive party, who aims to rewrite the Constitution of Republic of China and to carry out Taiwanization. The NPP won three seats in the 2020 legislative election.

The modern liberal parties in Taiwan are mostly associated with Taiwanese nationalism, as well as liberal positions on social issues, such as support for abolishing the death penalty and LGBT rights.

See also

• Conservatism in Taiwan
• History of the Republic of China
• Politics of Taiwan
• List of political parties in Taiwan