TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (游錫堃) returned to the legislature on Tuesday for the launch of his new book, “Taiwan’s Path to Democracy: Calligraphy Collection,” calling for unity as current and former legislative speakers gathered in a rare display of solidarity, per Liberty Times.
The event drew figures from across the political spectrum, including current Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), former speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), and former speaker Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全). Han’s attendance drew attention as it came just days after he declined an invitation from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
Asked about the contrast, Han said, “The president invited me to tea, which I didn’t attend, but today I absolutely had to come,” adding that his presence reflected deep respect for You and the other former speakers. At one point during the event, all four current and former legislative speakers appeared together on stage.
In remarks at the launch, Han said it was an honor to be invited by You and to reunite with other former speakers. He joked that decades of practicing calligraphy cultivate calmness and kindness. “We legislators are also very kind,” he said, “it’s just that our eyes sometimes look a bit fierce.”
Wang Jin-pyng later told the audience that he, Su, You, and former Legislative Secretary-General Lin Chih-chia (林志嘉) dined together regularly every three or four months. He said they had planned to visit You in Yilan after his return there, but schedules did not align because You was busy preparing the book launch.
Su said the gathering marked the first time since he left the legislature that all four remaining speakers had appeared together. While they once met every three months, he noted that Han had not previously joined. Su emphasized that their meetings carried no political intent, adding that regular dialogue among political figures could help reduce misunderstandings.
In a pre-event interview with the United Daily News, You said it had been nearly two years since he last entered the legislature and that returning to the familiar setting brought him joy. He said the book’s significance goes beyond calligraphy, serving as a chronicle of Taiwan’s democratic development.
Addressing ongoing constitutional debates in the legislature, You said, “Taiwan’s path to democracy is one we all walk together.” He added that Taiwan is the only society within the 1.4 billion-strong global Chinese community that practices democracy.
Taiwan’s democratic achievements are hard-won, You said, urging all sectors of society to cherish and jointly safeguard them so democracy can continue to deepen and move forward.
