Carcinogenic oil incident: Chang Li-shan says marching to Ketagalan Boulevard is the common voice of many people
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that a march to Ketagalan Boulevard reflects the public's sentiment regarding a carcinogenic oil incident.
- She emphasized that food safety cannot be compromised and there should be no double standards, criticizing the central government's handling of the issue.
- Chang believes that if the central government fails to ensure food safety and fulfill its responsibilities, it should step down.
Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that a planned march to Ketagalan Boulevard is a reflection of the public's shared sentiment regarding the recent "carcinogenic oil" incident involving Chung-Lien Oil.
Marching to Ketagalan Boulevard should be the common voice of many people.
Speaking after a virtual meeting on "anti-drug oil" convened by Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Chang asserted that food safety is non-negotiable and should not be subject to double standards. She criticized the central government, suggesting that its failure to safeguard the public's health and fulfill its governmental duties warrants its resignation.
Chang highlighted the psychological burden and health concerns faced by the public due to uncertainties surrounding food safety, particularly with daily meals potentially affected by the scandal. She noted that the planned protest on July 25th is a spontaneous expression of public discontent, stemming from the central government's lack of clear answers and truth regarding the incident.
Food safety cannot be compromised and there can be no double standards.
Drawing a parallel to the demands placed on the ruling party in 2014 when it was in opposition, Chang urged the current administration to uphold the same principles regarding food safety. She believes that accountability from the central government is crucial for public trust in its ability to ensure food safety. If the government cannot fulfill this fundamental responsibility, she argued, it should step down.
If the central government cannot safeguard the people and does not fulfill its responsibilities as a government, then of course it should step down and take responsibility.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.