The Kuomintang (KMT) held a major rally in Taichung this weekend to oppose the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) recall campaign. Around 24,000 people attended, making it the largest anti-recall event the KMT has organized. Consequently, the rally showed the party’s growing determination as the KMT recall election draws near.
Han Kuo-yu, Legislative Speaker and the highest-ranking KMT official in government, addressed the crowd with a strong warning. He said Taiwan’s democracy faces a serious threat from the recall campaign. Furthermore, Han called the effort a “political massacre” targeting KMT legislators. Therefore, he urged voters not to let the DPP’s plan succeed. Han warned that the campaign could push Taiwan toward a one-party system.
Currently, 24 of the 31 legislative seats face recall votes in the KMT recall election. Moreover, Han pointed out many KMT legislators targeted have served less than a year. Despite their short time, they already face recall attempts. Han compared the recall campaign to an airplane preparing for takeoff but being attacked before leaving the runway. In other words, he said this shows the recall is an unfair attempt to stop new legislators too early.
The DPP’s recall campaign is led by caucus chair Ker Chien-ming and has support from President Lai Ching-te. In addition, the DPP aims to weaken the KMT and its coalition partner, the Taiwan People’s Party. Ker has said the campaign is needed to end government deadlock and improve legislative function.
For the DPP to shift the legislative majority, it must recall six opposition legislators successfully. However, to remove Han as Legislative Speaker, they must flip 24 seats to gain a super-majority. As a result, this task is much harder and less likely to happen.
The Taichung rally showed strong opposition from KMT supporters. Overall, Han’s message was clear: voters must reject the recalls to protect Taiwan’s democracy. The recall election carries high stakes for both parties. Thus, this rally marks a key moment in the political battle ahead. KMT supporters are now rallying to defend their legislators and the balance of power. They remain determined to prevent the DPP from gaining greater control.
