Taiwan opposition demands premier's resignation over toxic oil scandal

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has escalated its pressure on the government, demanding Premier Cho Jung-tai, Health Minister Shiu Chien-liang, and Food and Drug Administration Director-General Chiang Chih-kang resign over the toxic oil scandal involving Zhonglian Oil.

KMT Culture and Communications Committee Chairman Chen Yi-hsin called for President Lai Ching-te to apologize to the nation. He drew parallels to the 2014 Wei Chuan oil scandal, recalling how then-DPP legislator Tsai Chi-chang demanded the resignation of Premier Jiang Yi-huah, and then-DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen insisted the Premier take political responsibility. Chen also questioned why authorities, aware of abnormal test results for Zhonglian Oil, did not immediately inform the public, allowing contaminated products to remain on the market.

In response, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) reiterated President Lai's commitment to food safety, stating there is no room for compromise and that accountability will be pursued. The party urged the KMT to refrain from using food safety as a political weapon, arguing that such tactics are counterproductive to resolving the issue. The DPP stressed that food safety transcends party lines and called for collaborative efforts to ensure the public can purchase safe food products.

The scandal involves Zhonglian Oil exceeding limits for the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene. The KMT highlighted past statements from current DPP leaders, including Lai, who advocated for thorough investigations and punishments during the 2014 scandal. They now question the government's transparency and responsiveness in the current case.