TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A string of recent controversies has dealt a blow to DPP momentum ahead of its recall campaign, with mismanagement in typhoon recovery efforts, an education scandal, and divisions over nuclear energy policy contributing to waning morale.
The government’s performance following Typhoon Danas in traditionally DPP-leaning Tainan and Chiayi was widely criticized for its lack of coordination. A DPP aide in the affected area told UP Media that the central government appeared unprepared for the disaster.
While many typhoon response protocols were reportedly established under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), officials told UP Media that President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) administration failed to follow through effectively.
Lai’s comment that soldiers were not legally permitted to enter private homes to assist with cleanup drew a widespread backlash, per UDN.
Compounding the political fallout, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) has come under fire for multiple controversies. This includes the National Taiwan Normal University scandal, in which a football coach allegedly required players to submit blood samples for research in exchange for academic credit.
A DPP aide told UP Media that Cheng has appeared dismissive in interactions with party legislators. Cheng also came under scrutiny during the high school cellphone ban debate. According to the aide, Cheng blamed legislators for listening to students who opposed the policy and reportedly told them that political maneuvering was not the reason he was appointed.
Possibly more damaging to the DPP’s internal unity is the decision by Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢), Pegatron Corporation chair and close ally of Lai, to represent the pro-nuclear side in upcoming debates for the Aug. 23 referendum on extending the service life of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant.
Tung cited his long-standing support for nuclear energy and emphasized Taiwan’s limited land availability when arguing for a balanced energy approach, per Mirror Media. Tung’s stance has triggered strong reactions within the party.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs did not object to Tung’s involvement and initially declined to appoint representatives to represent the opposing view, per UDN. This led the Cabinet to intervene and assign Lin Tzu-lun (林子倫), of the Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction, and Taipower Chair Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) to argue against the extension.
Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝), also a Lai ally, faced internal criticism similar to Tung.
DPP insiders told UP Media that both Tung’s and Kuo’s actions were seen as aligning with the KMT and TPP, demoralizing the pro-recall campaign. Party factions are reportedly growing pessimistic about the campaign’s prospects.
A retired DPP official suggested that even if the campaign does not change the balance of power in the legislature, it could still be considered a success if it results in the recall of high-profile KMT legislators such as Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) and Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯).
