Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te (賴清德) is set to launch a nationwide speaking tour starting this Sunday, focusing on critical themes like constitutional resilience, economic prosperity, national security, and democratic unity. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Taiwan, as recall votes are set to take place across the country on July 26, targeting 24 lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT). The Presidential Office has emphasized that the tour is aimed at addressing pressing national concerns rather than supporting the recall efforts.
A Timely Tour Amid Political Fractures
The first talk of the 10-city tour will be held in New Taipei, at the invitation of Rotary International’s District 3490, which includes New Taipei, Keelung, Yilan, and Hualien. According to Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧), the initiative aims to give President Lai a platform to openly discuss pressing issues such as:
- Taiwan’s constitutional heritage and democratic resilience.
- National defense policies and economic growth strategies.
- Cross-Taiwan Strait relations and peacebuilding.
Although the tour has been announced just one day after the Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed recall votes for 24 KMT lawmakers, the Presidential Office has refuted claims that the initiative is intended to rally support for the recall campaign.
The Political Context
Recall efforts were launched by civil society groups and are backed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has long advocated accountability for lawmakers from the KMT. However, the DPP denies direct orchestration of these votes.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) criticized the initiative on Saturday, claiming that the DPP aims to “crush and eliminate the opposition” through the recall process. Chu spoke at an event supporting KMT legislator Lee Yen‑hsiu (李彥秀), one of the lawmakers targeted by the recall campaign.
In total, the recall efforts affect nearly the entirety of the KMT legislative contingent, including influential leaders like Fu Kun‑chi (傅崐萁), Wang Hung‑wei (王鴻薇), and Hsu Chiao‑hsin (徐巧芯). Meanwhile, KMT and its coalition partner, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), currently control a legislative majority that has already blocked or delayed significant policy measures introduced by the Lai administration.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Taiwanese Democracy
President Lai’s speech tour arrives at a critical juncture for Taiwan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait and within the Legislative Yuan, Lai aims to emphasize themes of unity, resilience, and forward-thinking policies. According to Kuo, the President will also focus on core democratic values and the nation’s role in the global order.
While the speeches have been framed as an effort to foster dialogue and deepen public understanding, their timing and context suggest an implicit attempt to rally public sentiment for national unity and resilience ahead of the highly charged recall votes.
FAQs
What is the purpose of President Lai’s nationwide speaking tour?
President Lai aims to raise awareness about Taiwan’s constitutional heritage, economic strategies, national defense policies, and democratic resilience in the face of growing external and internal challenges.
When will the recall votes be held?
The recall votes for 24 KMT lawmakers will take place on July 26, 2025.
Is President Lai’s tour connected to the recall campaign?
While the timing coincides with the recall campaign, the Presidential Office has stated that the initiative is unrelated and aims to focus purely on national issues.
What has been the KMT’s response?
KMT leaders, including Eric Chu, have criticized the initiative, arguing that it aims to mobilize public sentiment against their party and suppress the opposition.
What topics will President Lai cover in his speeches?
He will address Taiwan’s constitutional heritage, economic growth, national defense, cross-Strait relations, and democratic resilience.