NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) called for unity in Taiwan on Monday (Jan. 6), emphasizing the need for internal harmony and cooperation. The mayor's statement comes amid political tensions, as Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), the Democratic Progressive Party's (民進黨) legislative caucus leader, recently threatened to recall 41 Kuomintang (國民黨) legislators and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜).
Hou stressed that Taiwan does not require divisive mobilization but rather inclusiveness and understanding, which he believes are the main drivers of Taiwan's progress. He responded to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) previous call for unity, acknowledging the current social unrest and urging all parties to compromise and narrow differences.
Hou reiterated that Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國), is "our country" and encouraged everyone to abandon entrenched ideas. He advocated for collaboration to create a more harmonious and progressive Taiwanese society. With political tensions simmering.