Taiwan Legislative Speaker clashes with KMT whip, demands resignation over budget talks

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu publicly clashed with Kuomintang (KMT) caucus whip Fu Kun-chi on Tuesday, demanding Fu's resignation during a contentious negotiation over the 2026 budget. This rare public confrontation between the two KMT figures has ignited significant debate within the political arena.

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Notify Fu Kun-chi now. He has three choices: one, come in person, no problem; two, don't come, authorize the secretary-general; three, resign as whip, it's easier to quit, isn't it? Why is it like this?

Han expressed deep frustration with Fu's repeated absence from negotiation sessions since late July, following an earlier incident where Fu allegedly used profanity. Han questioned Fu's attendance and whether he had authorized the party's secretary-general to sign documents. When the secretary-general indicated she had not been authorized, Han escalated his criticism, presenting Fu with three options: appear in person, authorize the secretary-general, or resign as whip.

The situation intensified as the negotiation neared its end, with the secretary-general still hesitant to sign. Han forcefully questioned the validity of the signature without Fu's authorization, drawing a parallel to historical figures wielding power from behind the scenes. He admonished the lack of progress, stating, "If you don't sign, how can we explain ourselves to the people of the nation?" Han accused the Legislative Yuan of being "sick" and controlled by "dark forces," likening the situation to being "played like monkeys."

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If you don't sign, how can we explain ourselves to the people of the nation? The Legislative Yuan is so sick, controlled by dark forces. Are you playing us like monkeys? It's inexplicable!

Following the heated exchange, the KMT, DPP, and TPP caucuses eventually reached a consensus, agreeing to vote on the budget on the 14th, with a potential additional session on the 17th if it is not passed. Han's actions drew praise from some opposition lawmakers, who saw it as a display of leadership. However, many KMT supporters reacted negatively on Han's Facebook page, criticizing him for attacking a party colleague and questioning his loyalty to the KMT.

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Attacking your own people so fiercely, Han Kuo-yu, you are terrible.

Supporters accused Han of internal party strife and questioned his past actions and current stance, with comments ranging from "You're so bad" to "Did your ego get too big?" and "Can't fellow KMT members communicate behind closed doors?" The public spat has exposed deep divisions within the KMT and raised questions about party unity.

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Internal fighting is their specialty.