The recall campaign targeting Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus whip Fu Kun-chi was long considered a mission impossible. Just weeks before the petition deadline, organizers discovered that the format they had used was incorrect. Undeterred, they transformed their anxiety into motivation, mobilizing friends and neighbors to resubmit their signatures using the correct format.
In less than two weeks, the number of valid signatures surged from 17,000 to 32,777 — exceeding the required threshold by 69.06 percent. The campaign not only cleared the requirement, but also surpassed the total collected in the recall effort against KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯), becoming the largest recall petition in the country.
However, the Hualien County Election Commission was suspected of creating difficulties for the petitioners. Hundreds of residents gathered to voice their concerns. The signature count took nearly 14 hours to complete, with only 11 signatures deemed invalid.
Widely known as the “King of Hualien,” Fu has been an oligarchic figure in the county’s political landscape for more than two decades. Many times he met with high-ranking Chinese officials over the past year, and has been leading efforts by the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party to obstruct legislative procedures and challenge the Constitution.
In response to what many view as a deeply concerning political influence, the collection of 32,777 signatures has reinvigorated recall efforts nationwide. The successful petition drive has become a rallying point, boosting morale as the campaign enters its third stage.
I participated in the first-stage petition as a volunteer and witnessed campaigners standing on street corners, holding placards and inviting passersby to sign. One by one, citizens signed their names with care and determination — a quiet but powerful act of civic engagement.
As the campaign gained momentum, signature collection stations were set up across the area, eventually leading to the establishment of a headquarters in Jian Township (吉安). The volunteer team grew to more than 100 people.
To avoid being recognized and visited by local government workers, many wore hats and masks. Over time, their confidence grew, and they began chanting slogans such as “Recall Fu Kun-chi” in public spaces.
Their story is a reminder that entrenched political power can be challenged when ordinary people stand against it. The petition drive in Hualien demonstrates that democracy not only has a check and balance mechanism serving to correct its errors, but also sends a clear message to elected officials: They are civil servants, not superior overlords.
As the public has shown a strong will to recall Fu, his influence in Hualien has been weakened.
A tax rebate dispute between Lucky Cement Corp and the Hualien County Government has drawn national attention, further highlighting concerns over governance there.
Taiwan is a democratic country that upholds the rule of law. Yet under Fu’s tenure as Hualien County commissioner, the region often appeared to operate outside those norms. When even a major enterprise struggles to be treated fairly, one can only imagine the political pressure faced by small and medium-sized enterprises or ordinary citizens.
While the KMT has traditionally held more support than the Democratic Progressive Party in Hualien, the recall petition’s signature count speaks to its broad legitimacy.
To bring Taiwan and Hualien back onto the right track, voters should use their votes in the third phase to bring an end to the Fu dynasty.
Hong Tsun-ming is a policy specialist in the Taiwan Statebuilding Party.
Translated by Fion Khan
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