Advertisement
Coronavirus: Tsai’s approval rating slips as Taiwan reports around 500 cases for fourth day
- Spike in locally transmitted infections a key reason for the drop, according to pollster
- Survey finds that 65 per cent of respondents are worried the pandemic may cost them their jobs
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
99+
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has seen her approval rating drop below 50 per cent for the first time in a year as the island grapples with a worsening Covid-19 outbreak.
Advertisement
Health authorities reported around 500 new cases for a fourth day on Tuesday and six deaths for a third straight day, prompting the island to extend level-three restrictions – the second highest – for two more weeks.
Meanwhile, Tsai’s approval rating slipped to 45.7 per cent in May, from 54.4 per cent in April, according to the latest poll conducted by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation.
Tsai’s rating was at 71.2 per cent a year ago when she was inaugurated for a second term as president of the self-ruled island.
02:38
Taiwan deploys military to disinfect subway station after Covid-19 cases surge
Taiwan deploys military to disinfect subway station after Covid-19 cases surge
“The recent spike in locally transmitted infections was one major reason for the drop in her approval rating,” foundation chairman Michael You Ying-lung told reporters on Tuesday.
Advertisement
Advertisement