TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) has accused President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and the DPP of attempting to impose one-party rule.

In an interview with Nikkei, Huang criticized Lai and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), calling on them to change their attitude and approach to governance. Huang dismissed criticisms of his party’s alliance with the KMT as “obstructionist,” saying the DPP has been unwilling to accept much-needed reforms. 

The newly elected TPP chair criticized the government for indiscriminate defense spending, citing the country's indigenous submarine program. Although Huang supported calls to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, he said the legislature must have more oversight into how that spending contributes to national security. 

Huang’s comment comes as the TPP, allied with the KMT, has sought to freeze central government spending, which could reduce defense expenditures by as much as 28%. The TPP and the KMT have formed a legislative coalition to block much of Lai’s agenda, which has resulted in a wave of recall elections and sharply divided public opinion. 

Addressing the ongoing legislative impasse and conflict between the Lai administration and opposition lawmakers, Huang said the “DPP wants to have the final say” on running the country. Huang criticized the party’s tactics by asking, “How is this different from the previous one-party dictatorship of the KMT?”  

When asked about the future of the TPP and possibilities for the next presidential election, Huang said the party is focusing its resources on the 2026 municipal elections. He said the TPP remains committed to establishing itself as a viable third force in Taiwanese politics, but without success in local elections, “there will be no 2028.”