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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Taiwan legislative leader slams whip for skipping key talks

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu expressed strong anger over KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi's repeated absence from cross-party negotiations.
  • Han suggested Fu resign as whip if he continues to skip meetings, questioning the "pathological development" of the legislature.
  • A social media post contrasted Fu's behavior with KMT candidate Ko Chih-en's past deference to Fu, suggesting Ko is less effective than Han in handling legislative matters.

Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu publicly rebuked Kuomintang (KMT) caucus whip Fu Kun-chi for his persistent absence from crucial cross-party negotiations, calling the situation a "pathological development" within the legislature. Han expressed his strong displeasure, stating that Fu's continuous no-shows, which have delayed the budget negotiations for a year, are unacceptable. He presented Fu with three options: attend in person, authorize the secretary-general to attend, or resign from his position as whip.

Is the Legislative Yuan developing this pathologically? Has he missed several consecutive times?

— Han Kuo-yuLegislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu expressed his frustration with Fu Kun-chi's repeated absences from negotiations.

Han emphasized the importance of the caucus whip's presence in such meetings, questioning the practice of attempting to "remotely control" legislative proceedings while absent. He criticized the situation, asking how the Speaker, other party caucuses, and numerous officials are expected to function under such circumstances. Han suggested that resigning might be an easier option for Fu.

A gentleman must be rooted in benevolence. Once the root is established, the way will develop. Since you are the whip, you must attend the cross-party negotiations. If you don't attend, authorize [someone else].

— Han Kuo-yuHan Kuo-yu outlined the responsibilities of a legislative whip and presented Fu Kun-chi with options.

The controversy was amplified by a social media post from "Kaohsiung Good Day," which recalled KMT candidate Ko Chih-en's past comments regarding Fu. In late 2024, when asked by Democratic Progressive Party legislator Huang Jie to address an unfavorable version of the fiscal distribution bill, Ko reportedly stated, "Where is Fu Kun-chi someone I can talk to?" This statement was contrasted with Han's firm stance against Fu's absence, leading the social media post to conclude that "Ko is not as good as Han."

Where is Fu Kun-chi someone I can talk to?

— Ko Chih-enKMT candidate Ko Chih-en's past statement about Fu Kun-chi was recalled in a social media post contrasting their approaches.

The post also drew parallels between Han's past criticisms of being perceived as lazy or late during his tenure as Kaohsiung mayor and Fu's alleged "extreme laziness" in the Legislative Yuan. The commentary suggests that Fu's disruptive behavior in pushing legislation is tolerated, with Ko Chih-en seemingly unable to effectively challenge him, further highlighting Han's more assertive leadership in this instance.

It's easier to resign as whip, isn't it?

— Han Kuo-yuHan Kuo-yu sarcastically suggested resignation as an alternative for Fu Kun-chi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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