Pro casino group holds protests in front of DPP headquarters

Wednesday 7th of September 2016

Penghu’s pro-casino group yesterday protested in front of DPP headquarters in Taipei after the party urged residents to vote against the proposal in the referendum next month.

According to Taipei Times, members of the advocacy group for the “internationalization of Penghu” said the Democratic Progressive Party was not respecting the decision of Penghu residents, and was not being neutral.

The DPP on Monday reportedly voiced its opposition to the proposal and urged residents to reject the proposition ahead of the October 15 referendum.

According to the group’s director, Chen Meng, the DPP’s statement went back on President Tsai Ing-wen’s promise to respect the referendum and residents’ decision.

“The DPP should not try to override public opinion, but instead remain neutral and respect residents’ decision,” Chen said.

Chen said tourism in the county was in need of a much needed boost, and sees casinos as a way to spark development.

“It is not casinos that we want, but major international investment, similar to entertainment facilities in Singapore, which can take local development to another level,” he said.

However, a DPP spokesman defended the party’s stance, saying its opposition to the proposal is not in conflict with its respect to the referendum result.

“That the party opposes the proposal is not in conflict with its respect of the referendum result, whatever that might be,” Wang said.

Bricks & Mortar Protest Referendum Penghu DPP