72% unsatisfied with Taiwan economy: poll

A total of 72 percent of Taiwanese people polled in a survey released yesterday by CommonWealth Magazine said they were dissatisfied with Taiwan's economic performance, the highest such rate in five years.

The survey also found 85 percent of respondents considering the widening gap between rich and poor a serious issue, while half expressed dissatisfaction with their quality of life.

The magazine pointed out over the past six months, elections were held in many neighboring countries including Japan, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea, with voters in these countries citing the economy and living standards as key election issues.

The Taiwanese, who will vote in two major elections in upcoming months, are also concerned about the economy, the magazine said.

Overall, 72 percent said they were not happy with Taiwan's economic performance, according to the poll.

"This is the first time in five years Taiwanese people think economic slowdown is a more serious issue than partisan conflicts," CommonWealth said.

The survey found more Taiwanese people to be pessimistic about the island's economy in the future. Only 25 percent of respondents expressed optimism, far lower than the 42 percent who are pessimistic. This is also the first time in 15 years pessimists outnumber optimists by a margin of over 15 percent, the magazine said.

When asked what were some of the things that showed the biggest regression, 52 percent said economic development, 18.7 said the widening wealth gap, and 18.6 said education and culture.

Cross-strait relations were cited as one of the top-five key issues the Taiwanese people are most concerned about.

The poll found people are taking a more practical approach towards dealings with China. The numbers show 63 percent of respondents opting for the status quo as the basis for future cross-strait dealings. Over 70 percent believe direct cross-strait flights should be opened, either as soon as possible or on a conditional basis.

The poll also found the nation's youths are very much concerned about the economy, with 59 percent of young people considering economic slowdown the biggest crisis facing Taiwan. Some 70 percent believe economic revival is the top priority for Taiwan's leader -- greater than the 64 percent for adults.

The phone poll was conducted randomly on Taiwan citizens over 18 years of age between Dec. 19 and 23. There were 1,090 valid responses, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.