While Taiwan is being celebrated for its democracy, its democracy has not been effective where it matters the most - to workers: work hours are long, wages are low, unemployment insurance coverage is low and unions are weak.

The neoliberal context in which Taiwan's democracy operates in means it necessarily impedes on workers' rights and created the conditions that led to the election of populist politician Han Kuo-yu. While Han's relevance eroded quickly due to his ineptness,

the growing threat Taiwan faces from China means it has continued to elect a government which guards against China. But this means that as long as dominant parties prioritize the China discourse while third parties remain weak, the conversation on workers' rights will keep

being postponed. While Taiwan has legalized same-sex marriage, has this been done due to its democracy or to promote its democracy? As a gay person, I am nonetheless proud, but democratic promotion shouldn't be cosmetic? Certainly, Taiwan does not persecute its critics,

and as a self-proclaimed political refugee, I am nonetheless grateful as well. But the democracy rhetoric needs to be complemented with action to protect workers. Otherwise, it will still be seen as lip service if workers do not see the value in democracy,

and the current conditions will still lead to a rise in a populist leader, whom if more capable, could impede on Taiwan's democratic development due to its state of maturity. If the current government believes in the long-term development of Taiwan,

and the protection of its democratic development, it would therefore need to strengthen workers' rights, in order to develop a resilient society that will be able to guard against the threats to Taiwan's democratic development.

Otherwise, what is the point of championing democracy for the sake of marketing the country, if the foundations are not being laid to protect it? It was only a few years ago when the Americans thought the country was a democracy, but that the inequality has divided the country.