Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) today said that all candidates interested in vying for the party’s leadership are welcome, in response to reports that Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) was to challenge Chu in the upcoming election.
Chinese-language media reported that Lu expressed her intention to run as party chairperson before the third phase of recall campaigns targeting KMT lawmakers starts, citing their “existential danger to the party.”
Chu accompanied KMT Legislator Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀) this morning in a public demonstration against the recalls, where he called the reports of Lu’s candidacy “good, very good.”
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
Responding to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Ker Chien-ming’s (柯建銘) comment yesterday that at least 31 KMT legislators are to face recall votes, Chu said that Ker is a source of chaos and a major threat to Taiwan’s democracy.
Ker wishes to eliminate all opposition parties so that President William Lai (賴清德) can rule as a dictator, Chu said.
The recall movement, which has “brought shame to Taiwan’s democracy,” would fail once people stand up and vote against it, he said.
If the DPP becomes the majority in the Legislative Yuan, they would overturn recent laws passed to benefit the nation and its citizens, he added.
Outside of the recall movement, KMT members have also been embroiled in other controversies.
KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) is facing an investigation over alleged election gift-giving that have caused some to question his role in the party.
After some party members were accused of forging recall petition signatures, Chu compared Lai to Adolf Hitler, leading to several foreign offices condemning the comments.
Pundits have said that Lu’s candidacy could boost morale in the midst of these concerns.
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