NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Eric Chu (朱立倫), chairman of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang party (國民黨), accused President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and senior Legislator Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) Thursday (July 24) of orchestrating the recall campaign against New Taipei City legislator Liao Hsien-hsiang (廖先翔). Chu characterized the recall effort as threatening Taiwan's democratic foundations. The party chairman urged citizens to vote against the recall Saturday.
Legislator Liao actively sought grassroots support from residents in the Xizhi district (汐止) while Chu publicly criticized President Lai's alleged authoritarian political intentions. Recall organizers concentrated their campaign efforts on the controversial Baipao Lake (白匏湖) development issue that has divided the local community. Campaign volunteers displayed white paper banners reading "Liao Hsien-hsiang, return our social housing" (廖先翔還我社宅 欠宅不還) during public demonstrations.
Recall organizers sharply criticized New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) for his recent high-profile inspection of the disputed Baipao Lake site, where he announced ambitious plans to develop an ecological park. Campaign leaders highlighted the mayor's conspicuous silence regarding the original comprehensive development plans for 1,200 affordable social housing units and essential community facilities. These promised amenities have mysteriously vanished from current municipal planning discussions and public development agendas.
The recall campaign's official spokesperson vehemently condemned Liao's controversial environmental policies, specifically accusing the legislator of planning to transform Baipao Lake into an industrial recycling facility. Critics argued this development would force protected wildlife species to cohabit with hazardous industrial operations in the sensitive ecological area. The activist group staged a dramatic nighttime protest Wednesday, displaying symbolic white paper banners to express their strong opposition to the proposed development plans. ◼