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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Taiwan Politician Criticizes Rival's Protest Stance on 'Toxic Oil'

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A political dispute has arisen over a protest against "toxic oil" in Taiwan, with accusations of political maneuvering.
  • Critics question the timing and location of the protest, suggesting it's a political tactic rather than a genuine effort to address safety concerns.
  • The controversy involves accusations of inaction on food safety regulations and calls for legislative action.

A political rally against "toxic oil" in Taiwan has become the focal point of a heated exchange between political rivals, highlighting accusations of political opportunism and inaction on critical safety issues.

If you really want to protest, shouldn't Kao Chih-en go to Taiwan Boulevard and protest to the Taichung City Government?

— Chang Yi-liChang Yi-li questioning the focus of Kao Chih-en's protest.

Kao Chih-en, a Kaohsiung mayoral candidate for the Kuomintang (KMT), announced her participation in the rally. This move drew sharp criticism from Chang Yi-li, a candidate for city councilor in the Tso-nan district and former director of Kaohsiung's Youth Bureau. Chang accused Kao of employing a "two-faced approach" by supporting proposed legislative amendments on food safety while simultaneously engaging in street protests instead of utilizing the KMT's majority in the legislature to enact change.

Chang further questioned the effectiveness of protests organized by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, both from the KMT. He pointed out that neither mayor has implemented benzene pyrene inspections for oil refineries and distributors during their tenures. Chang suggested that if Kao were serious about protesting, she should direct her efforts toward the Taichung City Government, demanding an explanation from Mayor Lu regarding the alleged "leniency" towards the Chung Lien oil refinery over eight years.

Kao Chih-en previously stated in an interview that she publicly agreed with Mayor Chen Chi-mai's proposed direction for amending the Food Safety Act.

— Chang Yi-liChang Yi-li highlighting Kao Chih-en's perceived inconsistency regarding food safety legislation.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai's administration has been proactive in food safety, conducting six inspections and testing 18 products from the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's oil refinery over the past five years. Chen has also advocated for strengthening the Food Safety Act, urging central and local governments to collaborate on closing regulatory loopholes. Chang urged Kao to cease what he termed "political manipulation" of food safety issues and instead focus on her legislative duties, including reviewing the budget and advancing necessary legal amendments.

Please stop being a 'salary thief' in the Legislative Yuan and return to your duties as a legislator.

— Chang Yi-liChang Yi-li urging Kao Chih-en to focus on legislative responsibilities.
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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