Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) last week announced that the KMT was launching “Operation Patriot” in response to an unprecedented massive campaign to recall 31 KMT legislators. However, his action has also raised questions and doubts: Are these so-called “patriots” pledging allegiance to the country or to the party?
While all KMT-proposed campaigns to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers have failed, and a growing number of local KMT chapter personnel have been indicted for allegedly forging petition signatures, media reports said that at least 26 recall motions against KMT legislators have passed the second signature threshold and recall votes are likely to be held next month and in August. The massive public discontent could lead to the KMT losing its majority in the legislature.
Chu likened “Operation Patriot” to a “Patriot” missile, saying “it aims to protect the country.” In reality, it is just an attempt to “protect KMT legislators,” with the party hoping to summon its supporters to help its lawmakers hold onto their seats. “Operation Patriot” comprises three steps: establishing local strategies in every jurisdiction, led by KMT mayors and commissioners; promoting regional mobilization by organizing a team of speakers, including Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and KMT media personality Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), for cross-district reinforcement; and holding a national rally before the recall votes.
The recall motions against KMT lawmakers stem from public dissatisfaction with controversial legislation passed by the opposition-controlled legislature, such as unconstitutionally expanding the legislature’s power, cutting the national defense budget and blocking proposals to tighten national security. Some civic groups also call the massive recall campaign as a “battle against pro-China lawmakers who seek to sell out Taiwan.”
Garnering public support for its “patriots” is a huge challenge for the KMT, especially after visits this year to China by senior party leaders, including former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), and deputy chairmen Sean Lien (連勝文) and Andrew Hsia (夏立言), where they echoed Beijing’s “one China” principle. Those trips could give voters further impetus to recall pro-China legislators.
Chu’s “Operation Patriot” has also triggered doubts and mixed interpretations within the party. Media reports said that Chu unilaterally made the decision without consulting party dignitaries or local officials. His action was widely seen as an attempt to disperse the recall pressure and accountability of party leaders, and to further solidify his power amid a fight for the top post ahead of the KMT chairperson election in September.
Furthermore, Chu on Tuesday turned down President William Lai’s (賴清德) first-ever invitation to a national security affairs briefing for opposition leaders — despite his party repeatedly calling for the administration to hold dialogue with the opposition. His decision has made the KMT a follower of the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, which has consistently refused to communicate with the administration and had insisted on a live broadcast of the briefing, which would be national security risk.
The KMT’s and the TPP’s refusals are not only contrary to international practices of holding cross-party, closed-door security meetings to protect classified information, but also showed that they are only interested in political wrangling and prioritizing party interests over national security and interests.
With the recall votes likely starting next month, “real patriots” should be able to see past the opposition’s rhetoric and make the right choices to safeguard the nation.
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