One day after a major protest in Taipei, KMT Chair Eric Chu renewed calls for political action against President Lai Ching-te. Chu stressed that the KMT calls for Lai recall to defend Taiwan’s democracy.
Speaking at an event in Hualien on Sunday, Chu urged lawmakers to push for Lai’s removal, claiming the president acted like a dictator. He added that Lai attempted to silence dissent, according to UDN reports. Chu said that unless Lai negotiates with opposition parties, lawmakers should introduce a recall motion on May 20.
However, Taiwan’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act sets clear limits. Under the law, a president cannot face recall within the first year after taking office. Lai’s inauguration occurred on May 20, 2024.
Moreover, proposing a recall motion demands support from one-fourth of legislators. Passing the motion requires two-thirds approval, making success extremely difficult. KMT and TPP would need backing from several DPP legislators, which remains unlikely.
The KMT calls for Lai recall as part of wider political battles in Taiwan. The DPP recently began a mass recall campaign targeting KMT lawmakers, aiming to regain control of the Legislative Yuan. In response, KMT counter-campaigns have targeted DPP legislators.
Last week, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an proposed a no-confidence motion against Premier Cho Jung-tai. Nevertheless, Chu argued that removing the Cabinet could actually strengthen the DPP’s recall efforts. He insisted the opposition should concentrate efforts on President Lai instead.
Chu also highlighted Saturday’s protest turnout as proof of public dissatisfaction. Organizers reported over 250,000 people gathered in Taipei to oppose Lai’s administration. The event, organized by the KMT and supported by the TPP, protested against alleged judicial overreach.
Meanwhile, controversy continues to swirl around the recall campaigns. On Friday, KMT Taipei Chair Huang Lu Chin-ju faced detention over allegations of abetting forgery during a recall effort targeting two DPP lawmakers. Despite growing legal challenges, the KMT accuses Lai’s government of using the Ministry of Justice to suppress opposition voices.
The KMT calls for Lai recall have intensified Taiwan’s already tense political climate, setting the stage for a fierce political showdown in the coming months.
