TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Over 100,000 people were said to have rallied on Ketagalan Boulevard Thursday night despite heavy rain to support Saturday's recall votes, per CNA.
The Anti-communist, Safeguard Taiwan Volunteers Alliance hosted the event, with crowds overflowing into Taipei East Gate. A sea of flags filled the area, featuring both national and pro-independence symbols.
Many attendees wore hats reading, “Big recall, big success,” waved banners urging a “yes” vote, and held handmade signs with slogans such as, “Crossing the sea to recall,” and “I love my small, mountainous country.”
Around 9 p.m., organizers announced that the crowd had surpassed 100,000. A banner was unfurled calling on the public to vote “yes” on Saturday.
Speakers included actor Akio Chen (陳慕義), feminist activist A-Di (阿迪), author Yang Jo-tzu (楊双子), and DPP Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋). Activist Yeh Chun-lien (葉春蓮) addressed the crowd via video.
Musical acts included Taiwanese-language Golden Melody winner Hsieh Ming-yu (謝銘祐) and the band Fire Ex. The rally concluded with a speech by UMC founder Robert Tsao (曹興誠).
Puma Shen, who recently lost his mother, became emotional as he recalled their final meal and the attacks he faced from Chinese state media, pro-China outlets in Taiwan, and opposition parties like the KMT and TPP.
He said Taiwanese love freedom and have never surrendered in over 300 years. He called on voters to go to the polls Saturday and cast a “yes” vote, so Taiwan’s voice can echo on both July 26 and Aug. 23.
Robert Tsao said that he and Shen are the “two people the CCP hates the most,” and added, “Anyone who criticizes us is pro-CCP and selling out Taiwan.”
He praised the crowd’s dedication, saying, “We are here because we love Taiwan. This major recall is a showdown between those who love Taiwan and those who sell out Taiwan.”
He added, “Some say recall votes are not normal in a democracy, that’s true,” he said. “But having a major political party in the legislature betray the nation is not normal, either. Extraordinary situations require extraordinary actions.”
Movie director Wang Shaudi (王小棣) told the crowd, “We are able to gather here today because we are a democratic country. You are the masters of this country.” She criticized those suggesting waiting four years to vote again.
Wang continued, “If someone babysitting your child starves them, dresses them in filthy clothes, and gives them dirty water to drink, would you still let them do it for four more years?”
Fire Ex lead singer Sam Ta-cheng Yang (楊大正) said people often ask why they still sing “Island’s Sunrise” after 11 years. “But I want to ask: why do I still have to sing it 11 years later?” he said.
He added that even as China silences many voices, Fire Ex’s voice will not disappear. He urged the public to come out on Saturday and be Taiwan’s unsung heroes.
