KMT: Government ignores public anger over food safety, president 'hiding'

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has strongly criticized the ruling party, accusing the government of indifference to public anger over food safety concerns. The KMT organized a protest at Ketagalan Boulevard, which they claim drew nearly 200,000 participants, demanding accountability.

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Nearly 200,000 people took to the streets yesterday, not for a political party, but because the government's incompetence and dereliction of duty exposed the entire nation to food safety risks. The people demand only truth and accountability.

KMT Culture and Communications Committee Chairman Chen Yi-hsin lambasted the government's response as a "perfunctory official statement" lacking remorse or reflection. He accused President Lai Ching-te of "hiding" from the public and Premier Cho Jung-tai of clinging to power rather than taking political responsibility for the significant food safety failures. Chen asserted that the government's actions demonstrate arrogance and a disregard for the people's concerns.

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President Lai Ching-te remains in hiding, afraid to face the people; Premier Cho Jung-tai clings to power, refusing to take political responsibility for major food safety failures.

Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the government respects citizens' right to express their opinions legally and urged participating officials to return to their duties. Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih emphasized that food safety is a non-partisan issue, and the central government has been actively investigating factories, tracking product distribution, and removing substandard goods. She added that the Executive Yuan has proposed amendments to the Food Safety Act.

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Respects the right of the people to express their opinions legally and expects participating city mayors and public officials to return to their posts as soon as possible.

Chen countered that the proposed legal amendments are a diversionary tactic to avoid responsibility, likening the DPP government to a "push-away government" that deflects blame. He argued that the public seeks genuine problem-solving and political accountability, not just legislative changes. The KMT vowed that public anger would not subside as long as the president remains absent and the premier refuses to step down, warning that the DPP could be ousted by public opinion if it remains obstinate.

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Food safety knows no blue or green, no ruling or opposition parties. The central government has always been investigating factories, tracking distribution, and removing products.