There’s Power in Opposition, too: Tsai Ing-wen’s Concession Speech

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You may be sad, but don’t give up. (Click picture for video)

In today’s 2012 presidential elections, we concede, and we want to accept the decision the people of Taiwan have made in these elections, and we offer our deepest apologies. We congratulate president Ma Ying-jeou. We hope that in the coming four years, he will listen to the voice of the people, that he will govern with all his attention, will take care of each of the people, and that he will not disappoint the people’s expectations.

對於今天2012年總統選舉的結果，我們承認敗選，也願意接受台灣人民在這次選舉裡面所做的決定，並向大家致上最深的歉意。我們恭喜馬總統。希望他在往後四年，要傾聽人民的聲音，要用心執政，要公平的照顧每一個人民，千萬不要辜負人民的期待。

I know how everyone feels now. Today, I believe, many people believed in a victory, but the reality is not as we would have wished. But we need to remain strong. We are the Democratic Progressive Party, and when facing setbacks in the past, we never gave up. We haven’t done that in the past, and we won’t do that today.

我知道此刻大家的心情。今天，我相信有很多人原本期待勝利，但是，現實不盡如人意。但是，我們要堅強，我們一定要比誰都堅強。我們是民進黨，我們過去在面對挫折的時候，我們從來沒有倒下過。以前不會，這一次也一定不會。

Four years ago, we were disappointed, too. We clamped our teeth together, the party stood united, and we moved forward, step by step.

四年前，我們曾經是這麼的絕望，但是，我們咬著牙，整個黨團結在一起，在這四年，一步一步的往前走。

This result is saddening, but there was nothing to our name: we relied on small funding, and we established a new political model. The political position we put forward will play a key role in Taiwan’s future development.

這樣的結果很遺憾，但我們不是一無所有：我們對小額募款的堅持，樹立了新的政治典範。我們提出的政策主張，在台灣未來的發展中，依然扮演關鍵的力量。

Although there is no way that we will govern, that we would turn our ideals into reality, this doesn’t mean that there is no power in opposition. Taiwan must not be without oppositional voices, and it must not be without checks and balances. I believe that as long as you stand behind us and support us, as long as you continue to give us support and inducement, there will be a future for us. Next time, we will make that final mile.

雖然我們未來沒有辦法執政，來實踐理想；但不代表在野就沒有力量。台灣不能沒有反對的聲音、不能沒有制衡的力量。我相信，只要大家繼續站在我們身後，給我們支持，給我們鞭策，我們一定還有未來！下一次，我們一定可以走完最後一哩路！

The DPP’s transformation and reform continues. We will continue to stand on the side of the vulnerable, we adhere to reasonable policies, and to rely on small fundraising, rather than on big business. That’s how we will continue, and one day, we will win the trust of the people’s majority. This road has become longer than we imagined, and we can still do better. The DPP will face today’s results, conscientiously review them, and use them to be watchful.

民進黨的轉型跟改革，不會停止。我們堅持和弱勢人民站在一起，我們堅持政策理性，我們堅持以小額募款擺脫對財團的依賴。我們會一直做下去，總有一天，我們會贏得多數人民的信任，這條路比我們想像得更漫長，我們還可以做得更好。面對今天的結果，民進黨會認真的做檢討，會把它當作警惕。

I bear responsibility for defeat. I resign as the DPP’s chairperson. I believe that the next party leader will keep continuing the DPP’s reform and transformation, and lead everyone further.

敗選的責任，由我一肩扛起來。我宣布辭去民主進步黨的黨主席。我相信，下一任的黨主席，一定會堅持，繼續堅持民進黨的改革轉型，帶領大家繼續走下去。

Finally, Tsai Ing-wen wants to thank everyone who went along with her. These four years were a really good journey, we fought side by side, and I feel that you haven’t only voted for me, but that you have been my best companions.

最後，蔡英文感謝大家一路相伴。這四年，是很美好的旅程，我們一起並肩作戰，在我的心中，你們不只是投票給我的人，你們是我最好的夥伴。

Tonight, I believe, we are all very sad. You may cry, but don’t lose heart. You may be sad, but don’t give up. Let’s remain the way we have been for the past four years: brave, and full of hope. Because we must assume our responsibilities bravely, we must continue to work hard for this land of Taiwan. No matter where we stand, this country needs our continued love and care.

今晚，我相信大家都很難過。你可以哭泣，但不要洩氣。你可以悲傷，但是不要放棄。我們要像過去四年一樣勇敢並充滿著希望。因為，我們必須勇敢地扛起責任，我們必須繼續為台灣這塊土地打拼。無論我們在哪個位置上，這個國家，都需要我們繼續愛她、呵護她。

Dear people of Taiwan: one day, we will come back. To have supported the DPP and Tsai Ing-wen on this day in 2012, I believe, has beeen a matter of pride. With our heads high, we continue our path with courage. Thank you all. My heart will always be with the people of Taiwan.

各位親愛的台灣人民，有一天，我們會再回來。在2012年的這一天，支持民進黨，支持蔡英文，我相信是一件驕傲的事。我們抬起頭，堅強勇敢的走下去。謝謝大家，我的心會永遠跟台灣人民站在一起。

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