李總統登輝先生在民國八十五年元旦前夕發表祝詞，除了敬祝中華民國國運昌隆，同時也祝福全國同胞新年愉快。
總統表示，新的一年是中華民國承先啟後，繼往開來，再創歷史新紀元的關鍵時刻；在「跨過激昂澎湃的民主發展階段，我們就要進入嶄新的全民政治時代」。
總統在祝詞中特別指出，我們今天一切的奮鬥，都是在為下一代的壯盛發展奠定基礎。
祝詞中，總統也期勉國人，共同努力，把民國八十五年建設成：民主政治體制再鞏固、再昌明的一年；不分族群同胞再融合、再團結的一年；人民生活福祉再充實、再提升的一年；海峽兩岸關係再突破、再發展的一年；國際活動空間再擴大、再精進的一年。
總統元旦祝詞全文為：
各位女士、各位先生：
今天是中華民國八十五年元旦。面對新的一年，我們備覺振奮，也益感責任重大。因為，時代的進程，已經清楚的告訴我們：
今年，是中華民國承先啟後，繼往開來，再創歷史新紀元的關鍵時刻。
回顧過去的一年，我們在國家發展的途程上，飛躍前進：
—近半個世紀以來，深深烙印在國人心中的二二八事件傷痕，經過朝野多年的努力，終於得以平撫。在告別歷史悲情之後，我們的社會自由開放，民主競爭熱烈；但追求族群融合，促成團結和諧，已是全民共識，為未來的共創福祉，燃起無窮的希望。
—在全體國人的努力與支持下，中華民國四十多年來在台、澎、金、馬，為生存發展而奮鬥的正義呼聲，得以傳揚世界，贏得普遍尊重。
證明務實外交前景可為，只要我們積極扮演建設性的國際角色，終將在世界舞台揚眉吐氣。
—去年年底舉行的第三屆立法委員選舉，在國人熱心參與，政黨公平競爭中，順利完成。顯示這幾年來政府致力推動民主改革，落實主權在民，建立政黨政治，已使我們的社會日益成熟，為今後國家發展奠定更堅實的政治基礎。
—在民主轉型的諸多非經濟因素影響下，我們的經濟仍然維持百分之六至七的成長率，與已開發國家相較，誠屬難得。而產業升級政策也見成效，勞力密集的傳統工業，順利轉型為具有國際競爭力的技術密集產業，使國際貿易更見暢旺，外匯存底繼續增加。同時，我們又排除萬難，毅然實施全民健康保險，推展各種社會福利措施，務期經濟發展的果實能為全民所共享，創造一個更加安和樂利的社會。
各位女士、各位先生：跨過激昂澎湃的民主發展階段，我們就要進入嶄新的全民政治時代！
我們致力實現的全民政治，是以實踐主權在民為基礎，以凝聚生命共同體為依歸。政府的權力，完全來自全民意志的託付；政府的任務，完全以增進全民福祉為目的。特別是今年三月將舉行首次總統、副總統直接民選，徹底實現民主政治的理念，開創中國歷史的新局。面對此一時代任務，國人無不深受鼓舞，熱情參與，期待經由自由意志的充分表達，擔負國家主人的責任，主導政府的建構，迎接跨世紀的光明前景。
近兩年來，登輝積極倡導行政革新，就是要建構一個民主而有效率的政府；積極倡導司法改革，就是要建構一個公平正義的社會；積極倡導教育改革，就是要建構一個有活力、有創意的文明社會；積極倡導文化建設，就是要建構一個充滿人文關懷和家園之樂的生活境界。所有這一切，都是在為全民政治的到來奠定基礎。
為有效落實此項政策目標，今後必須：
—以嚴肅明確的法紀，建立廉能政府；
—以確實有力的執法，強化社會治安；
—以均衡配置的財源，普及社會福利；
—以周全有效的措施，做好環境保護；
—以進步發達的科技，促進產業升級；
—以平衡合理的價格，廣建國民住宅；
—以系統嚴密的管理，改善金融秩序；
—以全盤規劃的建設，暢順交通網絡；
—以層次井然的規範，重整法制體系；
—以強固機動的整備，確保國防安全。
各位女士、各位先生：七年多來，登輝一再強調，中國必將統一，民族終須融合，並據而制定國家統一綱領，致力推動中國未來在自由、民主、均富制度下的統一。去年元月三十日，中共當局曾就現階段發展兩岸關係，提出八點看法和主張。登輝在同年四月八日國家統一委員會會議，針對現階段的情勢，為建立兩岸正常關係，提出六點主張。我們認為，這兩篇講話的內容，應該構成未來推動兩岸關係的橋襟，也是雙方求同化異的基礎。我們深信，面對新的情勢，兩岸都必須以新的體認，採取務實的作為，促成真正的和諧，才能塑造中國再統一的有利氣候與形勢。
回顧這幾年來，我們所以能夠在波濤起伏、艱辛備嘗的改革洪流中，掌握安定的力量，快速進步，最主要的原因，是我們一貫堅持民主的信念，建設開放的社會。民主是存異求同、凝聚共識的最佳原則；而開放則是釋放創造力、激發責任感的必要方式。民主與開放是現代化社會形成集體理性的基礎，使改革、安定與進步能同時並濟，不斷推動時代的前進。
當然，在民主與開放的進程中，歷史的舊積弊必然逐一暴露，時代的新考驗也必然接續而來。然而，我們不應該因局部的問題而貶損總體的成就，也不應該以總體的成就而忽略局部的問題。必須連繫歷史，全面觀照，按照民主與開放的既定信念，不驕躁、不氣餒，全力以赴。 國父說：「偉大的事業，以奮鬥而成功，奮鬥以堅忍為要旨；世界萬事，惟堅忍乃能成功。」就是提示我們，一本堅忍奮鬥的精神，掌握正確的方向，克服種種嚴厲的挑戰，創造國家的永續進步。
中華民國今天能夠屹立於台、澎、金、馬，日益繁榮壯盛，是半個世紀以來，這塊土地上全體人民共同奮鬥的結晶。先總統 蔣公在政府遷台局面呈現安穩之際，曾說：「中華民國已經在埋沒中紮了根，從摧殘中萌了芽而新生了。」今天，中華民國不但紮了根、萌了芽，並且堅強的克服各種橫逆險阻的埋沒和摧殘，以至巍然挺拔，枝繁葉茂，欣欣向榮。開創中華民國新時代的我們，永遠不能忘懷先人在風雨飄搖中強渡艱險的堅毅精神與偉大貢獻；更要從歷史的軌跡中，掌握生存發展的動力，為鞏固中華民國、發展中華民國，堅持奮鬥到底。
在這裹，登輝要特別一提的，是我們今天一切的奮鬥，都是在為下一代的壯盛發展奠定基礎。在目前的變遷和改革過程中，青少年一方面充滿希望與期待，另一方面也承擔了壓力與挫折。如何幫助青少年順利成長，是我們無可旁貸的責任。因此，我們除了繼續建設安定開放的社會，讓青少年朋友盡情展現才華，也要有具體的青少年政策，輔導青少年建立自我信心，掌握人生方向，實現抱負理想，開創美好未來。
各位女士、各位先生：民國八十五年的序幕已經揭開，國家新紀元的晨光已經顯露，光明燦爛的前景正待開展。讓我們把民國八十五年建設成：
—民主政治體制再鞏固、再昌明的一年！
—不分族群同胞再融合、再團結的一年！
—人民生活福祉再充實、再提升的一年！
—海峽兩岸關係再突破、再發展的一年！
—國際活動空間再擴大、再精進的一年！
我們堅信此一順應潮流、契合民意的莊嚴使命，一定能夠在國人的精誠團結下獲得實現。而未來璀璨瑰麗的偉大成就，也一定能夠在中國歷史上永放光芒，長垂不朽！
敬祝中華民國國運昌隆！各位女士、各位先生新年愉快！謝謝。
New Year's Day Message
Lee Teng-hui
President
Republic of China
January 1, 1996
Ladies and Gentlemen : This New Year's Day marks the beginning of the 85th year of the Republic of China. As we meet the new year, we are invigorated and reminded of our immense responsibility. The developments of the age clearly tell .us that 1996 will be a pivotal year between the past and the future of the Republic of China, marking a new chapter in our history.
In hindsight, it is evident that we made great strides last year in the course of our national development :
‧After years of efforts by people in and outside the government, the deep wounds that the February 28 Incident inflicted in the hearts of our people back in 1947 were finally healed. Bidding farewell to this historical tragedy, our society has become free and open, and democratic competition has become more heated. Still, a national consensus to bring together people of disparate origins and foster solidarity and harmony has kindled boundless hopes that all citizens will work together for their common benefit.
‧With the diligence and support of all our people, the call for justice emanating from the Republic of China's struggle to survive and develop for over forty years in the Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu area has resonated throughout the world and won widespread respect. This is testimony to the bright prospects of our pragmatic diplomacy. As long as we actively play a constructive role internationally, we will one day walk tall on the world stage.
‧Elections for our Third Legislative Yuan were smoothly concluded last month with enthusiastic participation by our people and fair competition among our political parties. This demonstrated that the government's dedication to democratic reform, realization of popular sovereignty, and establishment of multi-party politics has made our society more mature and has solidified the political foundation for future national development .
‧Despite the impact of non-economic factors during our democratic transition, the ROC economy has sustained a growth rate of 6 to 7 percent, a rare accomplishment compared with developed countries. Further, industrial upgrading has shown signs of success in recent years. The transformation of our traditional labor-intensive industries into internationally competitive technology-intensive manufacturers has boosted our international trade and further expanded our foreign exchange reserves. In hopes of sharing the fruits of these economic successes among the entire population and creating a happier and more harmonious society, we have surmounted innumerable difficulties to launch the National Health Insurance program and introduce other social welfare services.
Ladies and gentlemen, having passed the turbulent stages of democratic development, we now stand on the threshold of a new era of universal political participation .
The political democracy we strive for is based on the realization of popular sovereignty and aimed at the consolidation of an interdependent nationwide community. Government derives its authority entirely from popular will; its task is totally geared to the enhancement of the people's welfare. In March 1996, we will carry out the first direct popular election of our president and vice president, thus realizing our ideal of democracy and creating a new horizon in Chinese history . Our citizenry has been inspired to actively participate in this epochal task, hoping, through the full expression of their free will, to assume responsibility as masters of their country, to guide their government, and to embrace the bright prospects of the coming century.
Over the past two years, I have vigorously advocated administrative reforms to build a democratic and efficient government; promoted judicial reforms to build a fair and just society; endorsed educational reforms to build a lively, creative, and cultured society; and supported cultural development to build a humane and familial living environment. All this has been done to solidify the foundation for the future of democracy.
In order to reach these policy objectives, we must, from this day on:
—establish clean and efficient government through strict and well-defined legislation,
—strengthen social order through firm enforcement of laws, —provide social welfare to all through balanced allocation of financial resources,
—protect our environment with well-thought-out and effective measures,
—promote industrial upgrading by further advancing our technology,
—supply more public housing at a reasonable price,
—improve financial order through systematic and strict supervision,
—strengthen our transportation network through comprehensive infrastructural planning,
—restructure the legal system through specific and orderly regulations, and
—ensure national security through strengthened and mobile forces.
Ladies and gentlemen, during my seven years in office, I have repeatedly stressed my position that China must be united and that its people should become amalgamated. Based on the Guidelines for National Unification, we have actively promoted China's future reunification under a free, democratic and prosperous system. On January 30, 1995, the mainland authorities put forward an eight-point proposal for cross-Straits relations in the current stage. At a meeting of the National Unification Council on April 8 of the same year, I offered six points, based upon the current situation, for normalizing bilateral relations. We believe that these two proposals will serve as a bridge for promoting future cross-Straits relations and as a basis for seeking common ground and overcoming the existing differences. We are convinced that under the new circumstances, both sides must adopt a fresh perspective, take a pragmatic approach, and foster genuine harmony before a favorable climate can be created for the reunification of China.
Reviewing the past few years, we can see clearly that our ability to achieve stability and rapid economic growth in the face of the tumultuous events and difficulties that accompany reform and change is largely attributable to our consistent belief in democracy and an open society. Democracy is the best principle for seeking common ground and for forging consensus, whereas openness is essential to freeing our creative potential and for enhancing our sense of responsibility. Democracy and openness are fundamental for the formation of collective rationality in a modern society, allowing reform, stability, and progress to move forward in tandem and propel our society perpetually forward.
Undoubtedly, in the process of achieving democracy and openness, old historical and deep-rooted problems will be exposed and new challenges will be brought forth one after another. We should neither disparage our overall achievements for the problems which remain in some sectors, nor should we neglect sectorial issues for the sake of our overall achievements. Rooted in our history , and with a broad perspective and a firm belief in democracy and openness, we must not become conceited or discouraged, but must move forward with all our effort. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, our founding father, said, “The success of a great enterprise is accomplished through struggle, the essence of which is perseverance; with perseverance all is attainable.” These words advise us to persevere in spirit, to hold fast to the right path, to overcome all kinds of severe trials, and to ensure continued national development.
That the Republic of China is able to stand strong today in the Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu area and grow more prosperous with every day results from the joint efforts of the citizenry of this land over the last half century. After our government moved to Taiwan and began to stand firm on its feet, the late president Chiang Kai-shek remarked that, "" The Republic of China has struck its roots and sprouted new life from destruction."" Today, the ROC has not only struck its roots and thrived, but has also overcome subversive and destructive obstacles in the process. Consequently, our country's splendor is thriving magnificently. In creating this new era for the ROC, we shall never forget the fortitude and great contribution of our ancestors who persevered through difficulty and peril during precarious times. From the cycles of history, we must grasp the dynamics of our survival and development and strive consistently to strengthen and build the Republic of China.
I would like to emphasize here that all our efforts of today are aimed at laying a solid foundation for the healthy development of our next generation. In the current stages of transition and reform, our youth are full of hope and expectation on the one hand, and are confronted with pressure and frustration on the other. We must not shirk our responsibility to find ways to help these young people grow successfully. Thus, in addition to building a stable and open society in which our youth may develop, we must also enact concrete policies to guide them in building self-confidence, and help them to find direction in their lives so that they may realize their ambitions and ideals and forge a bright future.
Ladies and gentlemen, the curtain has risen on the 85th year of the Republic of China; the dawn of a new age has broken; and a bright and promising future awaits us. In 1996, let us :
—strengthen and develop our democratic system,
—join all our compatriots, irrespective of geographical origin, together in solidarity,
—enrich and raise the people's livelihood and welfare,
—improve cross-Straits relations, and
—expand our international diplomatic presence.
We firmly believe that this solemn mission, which conforms to the trend of the times and agrees with the will of the public, will be realized by our people through their unity, faith, and dedication. This will be one of the glorious accomplishments in the history of China. I wish the greatest prosperity to the Republic of China, and a Happy New Year to all ! Thank you !