More than 30 KMT lawmakers have stayed on good terms with the TSU and will be courted by the party to participate in President Chen Shui-bian's (
Lee Shang-ren (
Despite denials from TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen (黃主文) and several KMT lawmakers who have been identified by media reports as possible participants in the alliance, Lee yesterday acknowledged that "discussions are under way and many KMT lawmakers have responded positively."
During his trip to Africa, Chen resurrected his proposed alliance, saying it would help bring stability to the unruly legislature.
The president first introduced the idea in the lead up to December's legislative elections, but the proposal languished because the "pan blue" camp didn't want to participate.
Chen has said he's determined to form the pact this time around. The experience of the past six months shows that the "opposition has totally rejected any possibility of a rational public policy debate."
The DPP and TSU together hold 102 seats in the 225-member legislature. Chen hopes to line up 120 members for his alliance to form a stable majority.
Though the DPP is the legislature's biggest party, analysts say the TSU plays a crucial role in the alliance proposal. The party's spiritual leader, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), remains an influential leader among KMT members and independent lawmakers.
Lee said the TSU backs President Chen's alliance because it is in line with the purpose of Taiwan Advocates (
"When Taiwan Advocates was established, it was meant to serve as a platform for pro-localization KMT lawmakers to collaborate with the DPP," he said.
The idea for a cross-party alliance is also similar to former president Lee's proposal last summer, the TSU official said. At the time, Lee had said that if the DPP could win 85 seats in the legislative polls, up to 35 others would "cross over" to give it the majority it needs to pass legislation.
TSU lawmaker Huang Chung-yuan (
Huang said the TSU was willing and able to help out the DPP, as the TSU has better connections with the KMT compared with the DPP.
In addition to TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen, other former KMT members now belonging to the TSU include party Secretary-general Lin Jih-chia (
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