TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Leaders from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) joined forces at the "Bring Democracy Back to Taiwan Opposition Leaders Summit" (在野領袖峰會) on Tuesday (April 22) in Taipei. The gathering focused on addressing significant domestic and international challenges, with both parties seeking to establish stronger policy coordination amid growing concerns about the current administration's approach.
The summit began with a symbolic embrace between KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) and TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), highlighting their unified stance. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to prioritizing public interests and addressing international challenges through collaborative efforts across party lines.
Chu presented a comprehensive four-point plan during the summit, calling for increases to the special ordinance amount and national security fund. His proposal also emphasized expanding domestic demand, opening international tourism channels, and diversifying Taiwan's market relationships to strengthen the economy.
Chu expressed regret that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) wasn't involved in broader discussions about national affairs. "All county and city mayors from our parties mentioned one thing: President Lai Ching-te should convene a national affairs meeting. He should invite me, Chairman Huang, county and city heads, the Legislative Yuan caucus and related experts to discuss national affairs," he stated. The KMT chairman also warned of potential economic turbulence in June when US$6.5 trillion in U.S. debt expires, potentially triggering global financial instability.
"The world is nervous, only one country and a president are not, that is Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨)," Chu remarked, criticizing what he characterized as the administration's complacency toward international economic threats.
When questioned about strategies to challenge the current administration, Huang clarified the opposition's position. "I believe all Taiwanese people are very clear that overthrowing the cabinet will not save Taiwan," he stated, shifting focus to what he described as the need to check President Lai's governing approach and maintain legislative oversight.
Huang invited those concerned about democratic principles to join a planned demonstration at Ketagalan Boulevard (凱道) on April 26. The summit, held at the Chao Chi Cultural and Educational Building (兆基文教大樓), also addressed U.S. tariff impacts on Taiwan's economy and the protection of judicial independence. ★
