Taiwan's Legislative Speaker vows to revise food safety law, slams ruling party

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has pledged to expedite amendments to Taiwan's Food Safety Law, responding to public outcry over recent food contamination scandals. Speaking at a rally organized by the Kuomintang (KMT) party, Han directly challenged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), labeling them a "four-push party" for their alleged tendency to evade responsibility.

Han criticized the DPP's 11-year tenure, stating that whenever problems arise, the party deflects blame, first to former President Ma Ying-jeou, then to lower government levels, media, and academics. He warned that this pattern could eventually lead to blaming historical figures like Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, for unifying the country.

He urged President Lai Ching-te to confront the food safety crisis head-on and provide a public accounting of the administration's shortcomings. Han highlighted alarming statistics, noting that one million out of Taiwan's 23 million people suffer from cancer, and 97,000 require dialysis, with cancer remaining the leading cause of death for 44 consecutive years.

"The most basic need for the people is for the government to help good citizens eat safely," Han stated, emphasizing the fundamental right to safe food. He vowed to uphold his constitutional duties and immediately push for the necessary legislative revisions to bolster food safety regulations and restore public trust.