TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who also serves as chairman of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), announced Wednesday (July 30) that his party will maintain unwavering support for civic groups as the second wave of recall votes approaches Aug. 23. Lai addressed the DPP Central Standing Committee, the ruling party leadership body, candidly acknowledging significant shortcomings in party efforts following the disappointing failure of the first recall vote July 26. The president's remarks underscored the party's determination to learn from recent setbacks.
Lai accepted all criticism directed at his leadership and issued heartfelt apologies to disappointed supporters across Taiwan. DPP spokesperson Han Ying (韓瑩) conveyed Lai's message, emphasizing that respecting the Taiwanese people's recall decisions demonstrates the party's unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and democratic principles. Lai expressed profound gratitude to civic groups and dedicated supporters who tirelessly gathered signatures despite scorching summer heat, characterizing their efforts as powerful testimony to grassroots democracy's ability to safeguard Taiwan.
Lai observed that dedicated supporters demonstrated democratic principles from dawn to dusk throughout the campaign, characterizing their efforts as profound democratic dialogue. He urged party members to transform disappointment into renewed courage for upholding core beliefs, pledging complete DPP support to civic groups during the final stretch. Lai simultaneously addressed Taiwan's complex challenges, including extreme weather, shifting trade patterns, and authoritarian pressure, assuring citizens his ruling team remains committed to stabilizing Taiwan's trajectory.
Despite DPP legislator Wang Shih-chien's (王世堅) public suggestion to withdraw from the second recall effort, DPP caucus whip Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤), the ruling party parliamentary coordinator, firmly stated that the party remains steadfastly committed to supporting civic groups until the campaign's conclusion. The internal disagreement highlighted tensions within the ruling party regarding strategic approaches to the recall process. Wu's statement reinforced the party leadership's determination to honor commitments to grassroots organizations despite mounting political pressure and recent electoral setbacks. ◼
