250,000 People Rise Up Against Dictatorship; Eric Chu: Recall Lai Ching-te on May 20

United Daily News, Featured News, April 25, 2025

Over the weekend, the Kuomintang (KMT) held a rally titled "Oppose the Green Communists, Fight Dictatorship—Stand Together on Ketagalan Boulevard!" in front of the Presidential Office, attracting a crowd of 250,000. KMT Chairman Eric Chu declared that ever since President Lai Ching-te was elected on May 20 last year, he has been dividing and destroying Taiwan. Chu announced that the Legislative Yuan will initiate a recall motion against Lai Ching-te on May 20, and called on people across Taiwan to use the power of the people to bring Lai down.

Chu emphasized that dictator Lai Ching-te is trying to destroy the democracy that has been built over decades. Taiwan’s democracy belongs to the people, not the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). He criticized Lai for failing to govern properly after being elected president, instead focusing on consolidating one-party rule and eliminating opposition. Chu accused Lai of first targeting dissenters within his own party, then moving against Ko Wen-je, former Chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, and now seeking to crush the KMT. He likened Lai’s actions to those of the Communist Party and fascists, warning that democracy is a precious asset that must be reclaimed by the people.

Chu stated that Taiwan enjoys freedom of speech, assembly, and action, and that no excuse should be used to restrict these freedoms in order to impose one-party dictatorship. He accused Lai of orchestrating a “Green Cultural Revolution,” with the "Green Guard" youth movement as his tool of suppression.

Chu asserted that even if 200,000 people stood up on April 26, it would not be enough; the people must ensure that Lai hears their voices. If Lai refuses to unite Taiwan within one year of taking office, then starting May 20, a nationwide campaign to recall him must commence.

He reiterated that the Legislative Yuan will immediately file the recall motion on May 20, and that people from all parts of Taiwan must join forces to oust Lai. He warned that Lai’s dictatorship is plunging Taiwan’s democracy into darkness, but that cries of anger will erupt from every street corner until Lai steps down — this is the true voice and power of the people.

Chu also emphasized that the plaza belongs not only to the KMT or the TPP, but to all the people of Taiwan. He criticized Lai for using the judiciary against opposition parties, likening it to Gestapo and Communist Party tactics, and vowed that the people will not be intimidated but will bravely move forward.

Chu further stated that Lai had ordered Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang to accuse him, KMT legislator Hsieh Lung-chieh, and KMT spokesperson Yang Chih-yu of being the masterminds behind the protests. Chu announced he would be heading to the Zhongzheng First Precinct for questioning, but stressed that while Lai may try to intimidate them, the people of Taiwan will not be cowed and will stand up bravely.

Chu concluded by stressing that April 26 was just the beginning. With 24 days left until Lai’s one-year anniversary in office, the people of Taiwan have given him a year to prove himself. Instead, Lai has turned Taiwan into a place of division and hostility to preserve one-party rule. Chu called on everyone to unite once again, leading the crowd in chants of “Step down, Lai Ching-te!” and “Long live the power of the people!”

From: https://udn.com/news/story/124465/8700793
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