On May 9, 2024, People Party Chairman, Ko Wen-je, held a press conference at the entrance of the Control Yuan, calling on all supporters and those who support reforms to gather on the streets on May 19. They will stand in front of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters to demonstrate the grassroots, action-oriented determination to push forward reforms. In response to this, DPP caucus chief, Wu Si-yao, stated that there will be public evaluation in society.
Ko Wen-je pointed out that the DPP had promised to be humble, advocate for party reconciliation and unity in the future, and not discriminate in their appeals, only to appoint based on talent. However, after eight years, most of it turned out to be empty promises. What’s more concerning is that since the establishment of the new parliament, all that has been witnessed is conflict and opposition, with no efforts towards negotiation, reconciliation, or unity.
Ko Wen-je stated that the DPP started off by weaving a vision of hope and after eight years, they have transitioned from wearing cloth shoes to leather shoes. However, the people who wear grass shoes continue to do so, as those who once advocated for reform are still stuck in the same place.
Emphasizing that they are not against hope, happiness, and vision, but against deception and reneging on promises, the People Party aims to play the role of a loyal opposition party. They will support the governing party when they do things right and oppose them when they don’t. Their demands include achieving reforms in the parliament, judiciary, media, and constitutional governance, starting with the abolition of the Control Yuan.
In response, Wu Si-yao stated that Ko Wen-je is trying to divert attention. He called on Ko Wen-je and the People Party to respond seriously to the corruption allegations in society. Until now, Ko Wen-je has not made it clear about the cases involving Tai Zhiguang, Beishi Science, and Jinghua City. There have been contradictory statements, leaving room for suspicion of serious dereliction of duty and possible profiteering. There should not be any diversion of focus or pressure applied to the ruling party at this moment.
Wu Si-yao bluntly mentioned that the People Party’s event on May 19 is nothing more than a political farce. They intend to protest at the DPP headquarters. While Taiwan is a society of freedom and democracy, the validity of their arguments needs to withstand societal scrutiny. Society will provide its own evaluations.