TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator has called for a united effort within the party to pursue the recall of Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislators. DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) initiated efforts to recall Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and other KMT members earlier this week, prompting KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-pao (賴士葆) to announce plans for counter-recalls targeting DPP legislators.
DPP legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) argued on Facebook on Thursday (Jan. 9) that the party must actively participate in recall debates to avoid accusations of retaliatory behavior. He warned that mere avoidance could render the party historically irrelevant. With civic groups already taking action, Lin sees this as an opportunity for the DPP to define their role in the recall process.
Lin suggested that once recall petitions meet the necessary threshold, the DPP should engage in public discourse to clarify the motivations behind the recalls and emphasize their opposition to the laws supported by those targeted. He pointed out that civic group actions provide a platform for advocating widespread recall efforts.
In response to KMT Chairman Eric Chu's (朱立倫) call to "stop the war with war," Lin proposed that the recall process could evolve into a "midterm election" within the Legislative Yuan (立法院), with both parties defending and attacking. This, he argued, could enhance legislative representation. Lin emphasized that public dissatisfaction cannot be quelled by words alone and urged the DPP to adapt to the changing political landscape.
As the recall debate intensifies, both parties face a pivotal moment that could reshape legislative dynamics and influence future elections.