Han Kuo-yu's outburst fuels 2028 presidential speculation; DPP names potential candidates

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu's rare display of anger during budget negotiations has ignited discussions about his political future, particularly a potential 2028 presidential bid. Han reportedly lashed out at KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi for repeated absences and accused blue and white party whips of "making a monkey out of everyone," suggesting the legislature was controlled by "dark forces."

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The DPP caucus has always believed that Han Kuo-yu, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an are all potential candidates for 2028.

The outburst, which occurred at the start and end of the negotiation session, has drawn attention from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun stated that the party views Han, along with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, as potential presidential candidates for 2028. While declining to comment on whether Han's anger was linked to these ambitions, Fan emphasized that Han was exercising his duties.

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making a monkey out of everyone

The DPP's primary concern remains the timely passage of the budget, crucial for national livelihoods and government operations. Fan criticized the KMT's arguments for the delays, calling them backward reasoning, and stressed that the legislature's role is to review, not simply rubber-stamp, the budget. The party hopes to avoid similar significant delays in the upcoming budget cycle.

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the legislature was controlled by dark forces