TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) sparked international controversy Friday (Oct. 31) by declaring Russian President Vladimir Putin is not a dictator. Cheng described Putin as a democratically elected leader during a Deutsche Welle (DW, 德國之聲) interview released online. DW journalist Tsou Tzung Han (鄒宗翰) questioned Cheng's awareness of international news following her controversial statements.
Cheng defended her position by asserting familiarity with global affairs, emphasizing Russia has been a democracy for years. She argued Putin's presidency resulted from democratic elections and labeling him a dictator is neither reasonable nor fair. Tsou remained unconvinced by Cheng's assertions about Putin's democratic legitimacy.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢) criticized Cheng's remarks about Putin's democratic legitimacy. Wu highlighted Putin's power consolidation since 1999 through constitutional amendments, term limit removal, dissent suppression, and media restrictions. Wu questioned how Putin could be viewed as anything but a dictator given these authoritarian actions.
Wu accused the KMT of aligning with authoritarian regimes, criticizing Cheng for defending a dictator and sending wrong signals internationally. DPP policy committee executive director Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) stated democratic societies clearly judge Putin's authoritarian nature. Rosalia Wu suggested Cheng disregards expertise pursuing "unification goddess" status, making statements contradicting common sense and facts. ◼