Taiwan is preparing for the recall election on July 26. Both the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and opposition groups are gearing up. They plan recall voting rallies nationwide to rally supporters. The DPP will hold a large rally on July 24 on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. The event will focus on lawmakers facing recall challenges. However, the DPP wants to avoid framing this vote as a DPP-KMT battle. Many recalled lawmakers come from KMT-leaning districts.
President Lai Ching-te will not attend the DPP rally. His speeches will also not be played. This move aims to attract moderate voters who support the Republic of China but oppose the Chinese Communist Party. On July 25, recall advocacy groups will hold rallies at multiple locations across Taiwan. In Taipei, a major gathering will happen in front of the Legislative Yuan on Qingdao East Road. This site links to the Bluebird Movement in 2024.
Another rally will take place at No. 148, Zhenxing Road, in Taichung’s East District. Groups from Taichung and Nantou will join. Award-winning director Wang Hsiao-ti and several DPP lawmakers will attend. Meanwhile, on July 25, the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) will hold a large anti-recall voting rally. This event will also be on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. Key attendees include Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, former KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, and KMT Chair Eric Chu. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang and suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao will join as well.
The political environment remains fluid. Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation Chair You Ying-lung listed five factors that could impact recall voting rallies. These include US tariffs, possible Chinese intimidation, KMT and TPP voter turnout, and the Legislative Yuan’s confirmation vote on July 25. The US delay on tariff announcements has eased some pressure. Yet, the KMT still uses trade as a political tool. You also said perceived threats from China might motivate pro-recall voters.
Regarding the confirmation vote, You expects mostly symbolic approval of one nominee. Some KMT lawmakers have shown support for four of President Lai’s justice picks. Overall, recall voting rallies will play a key role in mobilizing voters before election day. Both sides aim to influence public opinion and voter turnout in this heated contest.
