Protest Against 'Toxic Oil' Planned for July 25; Taoyuan Mayor Says Taking to Streets is an Option

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called for a public protest on July 25 against what he terms "toxic oil," urging citizens to gather at Ketagalan Boulevard. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has also announced her participation.

Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng has not yet made a definitive statement but indicated that protesting on the streets is a possibility. He suggested that the evolution of the July 25 event is not solely in the hands of the Kuomintang (KMT) but also depends on President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai.

“

Protesting on the streets is certainly an option.

Chang criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stating that during their 10 years in power, numerous major food safety incidents occurred without anyone taking responsibility. He acknowledged Premier Cho Jung-tai's recent apology as a basic step and stressed the need to reassure the public to prevent them from feeling compelled to protest.

"The initiative for how July 25 evolves is not with the KMT, but in the hands of President Lai and Premier Cho," Chang stated, emphasizing that the government's actions will determine the public's response.

“

The initiative for how July 25 evolves is not with the KMT, but in the hands of President Lai and Premier Cho.