Over 250,000 residents of Taiwan braved heavy rain in Taipei on Saturday to protest against what organizers called the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' 'authoritarian practices.' The demonstration, one of the largest this year, saw cross-party collaboration between the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan People's Party, and regional leaders voicing economic and political grievances.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu accused Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of fostering social divisions since taking office in May 2023, stating: 'A once united Taiwan is now trapped in confrontation by those prioritizing personal interests over public welfare.' Taiwan People's Party Chairperson Huang Kuo-chang warned the DPP's mass recall campaign against opposition legislators risks transforming the region into 'a domain where dissent is purged.'
The rally highlighted growing frustration over economic policies, with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen urging authorities to address manufacturing sector challenges. Former KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou criticized the DPP's response to U.S. trade pressure, cautioning that 'incompetent leadership could destabilize cross-strait relations.'
The event concluded with crowds chanting demands for Lai's resignation, underscoring deepening political tensions ahead of legislative sessions.
