Official Statement by Chairman Eric Chu on the Recall and Referendum

To the people of Taiwan, fellow party members, and all those who have stood together in defense of our democracy:

Today is a day that belongs to the people.

The numbers 726 and 823 are not mere statistics. They represent new chapters in Taiwan’s democratic journey, written with the unwavering determination of our citizens. This was not a partisan victory, but the triumph of the people’s voice over the arrogance of power. The honor of safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy belongs to every individual who fought in this struggle.

Yet while we have defended the foundations of democracy, we are confronted with a nation at a standstill and a society filled with unease. Since President Lai Ching-te assumed office, time has continued to pass, but Taiwan’s development has stalled. Social divisions have deepened, people no longer feel hope, industries face immense pressure, and the promise of future opportunities has grown ever more distant.

A year of political paralysis has eroded not only valuable time but also the confidence of the Taiwanese people in their future. In a polarized society, there are no true winners.

The role of the opposition is not only to hold the government accountable but also to chart a path forward for the country. Today, we put forward five urgent reform proposals, our solemn pledge to the people of Taiwan:

1. Revive the economy, protect livelihoods, and end opaque negotiations.

In the face of tariff conflicts and industrial crises, the government must immediately introduce relief measures. Excess tax revenues must be returned to the people and local governments, and targeted support must be provided to enterprises. Only by ensuring that households, municipalities, and industries have the resources to adapt, and by ending backroom deals that undermine trust, can we protect livelihoods and rescue the economy.

2. Rebuild energy security and resilience to safeguard Taiwan’s survival and development.

National security cannot rest on slogans. Taiwan’s misguided energy policy must be corrected. Without a reliable power supply, there can be no competitiveness. The government must fully implement the legislature’s resolution to extend the operation of nuclear power plants in order to ensure both stability and sustainability.

3. End judicial manipulation, eliminate political interference, and restore judicial independence.

The judiciary must be free from political intervention. A cross-party investigative committee should be established to thoroughly examine corruption in green energy projects and other major public works. Justice must never be politicized, and integrity must never be compromised. Furthermore, politically motivated detentions, such as those of Chairman Ko Wen-je and KMT staff, must end immediately. Justice must be delivered through fair and transparent trials, not political persecution.

4. Uphold the separation of powers and end the constitutional drift toward authoritarianism.

The people have reaffirmed their demand for effective checks and balances. The President and Premier must respect the majority will of the legislature and end the practice of using disinformation and smears to evade oversight. Cabinet changes must serve the interests of the nation, not the political survival of a single individual or the advantage of one party. Taiwan must return to the constitutional spirit of responsible government so that the nation may break free from paralysis and move forward.

5. End social division and restore unity, Taiwan’s most precious strength.

Over the past year, President Lai has relied on divisive politics and mobilization through hatred, undermining trust and social cohesion. The government must be a unifying force, not a source of discord. It must cease political maneuvers that deepen division and instead devote its full energy to national reconstruction, disaster recovery, and economic revitalization. Only by governing with professionalism and integrity can Taiwan meet internal and external challenges with unity and resolve.

Taiwan’s democracy has once again proven its vitality. It is now the responsibility of all political leaders to listen to the people’s voice, to bridge divisions, and to place the interests of the nation above those of any party. This is the path toward restoring hope, safeguarding democracy, and ensuring a better future for all

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