DPP-backed recall begins in Hualien, KMT alleges political persecution

Taipei, July 4 (CNA) A nationwide campaign to recall Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers began Friday in the eastern county of Hualien, with the opposition condemning the effort as political persecution orchestrated by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The campaign, featuring a 16-day nationwide canvassing tour on foot and by motorcade, is one of the final pushes to rally support before 26 directly elected KMT lawmakers face recall votes that could cost them their seats on July 26 and Aug. 23.

Leading the procession in Hualien were DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) and retired tycoon and political donor Robert Tsao (曹興誠), who held a banner that read, "Support the recall of Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁)," the KMT caucus whip and influential party member.

Tsao, one of the prominent backers of the recall campaigns, said recalls are not a normal feature of democratic politics but argued that Taiwan is now facing an "emergency," accusing KMT lawmakers of collaborating with Beijing to "paralyze" the nation through the Legislature.

He said Taiwan could return to normal functioning only by removing those KMT lawmakers.

Informal civil society groups behind the recall initiatives targeting KMT lawmakers have criticized a series of opposition-led efforts to expand the Legislature's investigative powers, curb the Constitutional Court's authority, and cut government funding.

They see these efforts as aligning with Beijing's ambitions to bring Taiwan under its control, and view Fu as the mastermind behind them.

The KMT's Hualien chapter, meanwhile, said in a statement issued the same day that the DPP was using recalls to "purge the opposition" in a bid to cling to power.

According to the KMT, the DPP has tried to smear Fu's reputation by accusing him of cozying up to Beijing, thereby undermining his efforts in the Legislature to promote infrastructure and development in eastern Taiwan, which has traditionally lagged behind the west in urbanization.

The party said it would organize an event in the county in support of Fu on Saturday.