The Kuomintang (KMT) is at another critical juncture. Zhu Lilen finally decides to stand firm and, in his capacity as party chairman, calls on the blue camp public officials to surround the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office tonight. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an becomes the first KMT county mayor to respond, while Taoyuan Mayor Zhang Shian also expresses his intention to show up and support. However, whether Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yan and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi will participate in tonight's event remains undetermined, although they have criticized and condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The immediate reason for Zhu Lilen's outrage is that Tsai Qing-de has used judicial means to target the KMT's recall initiative against DPP legislators, even searching the party headquarters of several counties and cities. However, the deeper reason lies in his observation that Tsai Qing-de is advancing a campaign to eliminate the KMT. If no resistance is mounted, Zhu Lilen, Lu Hsiu-yan, and other major blue camp mayors and legislators could all become targets of Tsai Qing-de.

Tsai Qing-de aims to secure re-election in 2028 by eliminating his main political opponents step by step. First, he targeted Zheng Wen-chan, his biggest intra-party rival, followed by Ko Wen-je, the founder of the People's Party, who almost disrupted his plans in 2024. Both are now incarcerated, with Ko Wen-je's health deteriorating severely, suffering from hematuria, dizziness, and hospitalization. He was even temporarily released to attend his father's funeral. Given the current pursuit methods employed by the DPP's judiciary, it will be extremely difficult for Ko Wen-je to run in the 2028 election.

For Tsai Qing-de, the only significant political opponent left on his path to re-election is the KMT. Although it is unclear who will represent the KMT in 2028, general assessments suggest that Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yan has the greatest chance.

Tsai Qing-de is steadily advancing his plans. Through large-scale recalls of legislators, he seeks to reverse the minority disadvantage in the Legislative Yuan, removing obstacles to governance. Currently, the ratio of blue to green camp signatures for the recall of legislators stands at 15:35. It is generally predicted that the DPP's final recall threshold for "blue" legislators will be hard-pressed to exceed seven seats. Meanwhile, the KMT is making a full-scale effort to push for the recall of "green" legislators, which could result in three to five seats passing the second stage threshold. In such a case, even if the recall efforts succeed, they will not significantly alter the "blue-white alliance" outweighing the "green" scenario.

Thus, Tsai Qing-de directly orders the judicial system to intervene in the large-scale recall. Recently, local prosecutors across Taiwan have been actively involved, with search operations conducted in places like Tainan, Taipei, New Taipei, and Chiayi. These cases share a common feature: the initiators of the recall are all pro-blue forces, targeting DPP legislators. Any discerning observer can see that this is an attempt to instill a chilling effect among pro-blue forces through "green terror."

This is not enough; the prosecutors have escalated their actions by targeting the KMT's various local party offices. Following personnel sent by the New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office to search the KMT's board offices in Banqiao and Sanchong districts on the 15th, searches were conducted today (the 17th) morning at the KMT's fourth district Zhongshan and Datong party offices in Taipei City, drawing attention.

One can imagine that if this pace continues, Zhu Lilen must act soon; otherwise, Tsai Qing-de's judicial system will next target the KMT's central headquarters and blue camp officials, ultimately zeroing in on Zhu Lilen and Lu Hsiu-yan, who pose the greatest threats to him in 2028.

Cornered, there’s no way out. KMT Chairman Zhu Lilen realizes the danger is rapidly approaching him and thus convened an emergency press conference at noon today, calling on party officials to gather and surround the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office tonight. Zhu Lilen also highlighted the severity of the issue — “Today, we only have one path: resist dictatorship and stand up for justice. See you at North District Prosecutors’ Office tonight!”

Zhu Lilen’s decision to stand up at this moment also stems from the upcoming KMT chairmanship election. If he does not act now, it will only reinforce his image as weak and lose the trust of party members.

Lu Hsiu-yan is rumored to have agreed to compete for the KMT chairmanship. Although this makes her a potential competitor for Zhu Lilen, regardless, the current blue camp leaders are in the same boat. With the major threat represented by Tsai Qing-de looming, if the blue camp leaders do not unite, they will be defeated individually. From this perspective, whether it be Lu Hsiu-yan or Hou You-yi, or any other legislator, they should all respond positively to Zhu Lilen’s call, just like Chiang Wan-an and Zhang Shian. Otherwise, if the KMT’s foundation is destroyed, there will be no hope for the KMT in the 2028 election, and even the 2026 "nine-in-one" election may be in jeopardy.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829647379294348/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the views of the author.