TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) expressed confidence on Tuesday (May 7) that the people of Taiwan stand as the government's strongest support, showing no concern for the challenges Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will face with a legislature where the opposition holds a majority.
This statement comes amid speculation that President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) might pardon Chen before leaving office on May 20, a move the Presidential Office has stated will be handled according to the law.
Facing a Divided Legislature
Chen's tenure as president also saw a divided legislature, with his party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), not holding a majority against the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and People First Party (PFP).
His recent Facebook post did not address the pardon rumors but instead shared his perspective on the upcoming Lai Administration's challenge of governing with a "minority government facing a majority opposition."
Pardon Prospects
The Presidential Office, through spokesperson Lin Yu-chan (林聿禪), emphasized the current administration's commitment to ensuring Chen receives proper health care and that any decision regarding a pardon will adhere to legal standards.
Chen, when asked about the pardon issue, responded with "no knowledge whatsoever."
As the political landscape of Taiwan braces for the transition, the focus remains on how the Lai Administration will navigate its legislative challenges and the broader implications of Chen's potential pardon.
The coming weeks will reveal how these developments will unfold, shaping Taiwan's political future.