Opposition KMT urges unity and reform after recall vote victory

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) called for unity in Taiwan and listed "urgently needed" reforms after a KMT clean sweep in Saturday's recall vote.

All seven Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers targeted for recall retained their seats, allowing the KMT and its opposition ally, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), to retain their majority in the Legislature.

However, the TPP-backed referendum to extend operations at Taiwan's Third Nuclear Power Plant failed, as fewer than 25 percent of eligible voters supported it, despite the "yes" votes (4.34 million) outnumbering the "no" votes (1.51 million).

Speaking to the press on Saturday night, Chu urged the government led by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to halt "political maneuvers" that stoke division.

Instead, Chu said Lai should focus on providing economic relief and disclose details on U.S. tariff negotiations so domestic businesses are better placed to respond to the potential impact.

Despite the failed referendum, Chu emphasized Taiwan's need for "reliable energy" and urged the government to implement Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act amendments passed on May 13, which will allow nuclear power plant operators to apply for a 20-year license renewal beyond the existing 40-year limit.

Accusing the DPP of judicial interference and political prosecution, Chu also called for the release of former Taipei Mayor and TPP chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and KMT personnel in custody, while stressing the need for a cross-party commission to investigate "corruptions in major construction projects, including green power."

Furthermore, he said Lai needs to respect the opposition's majority status in the Legislature and "stop spreading lies and controversies" in pursuit of dictatorship, citing Saturday's results as reaffirming the Taiwanese people's wish for political supervision of the DPP government.

Lastly, he called for unity in Taiwan, urging Lai to stop political infighting and focus on more important tasks such as Taiwan's post-storm rebuilding and economic growth.

"Nobody truly wins in a divided Taiwan," Chu said.

The Saturday votes were the last in a two-stage campaign against the KMT, Taiwan's largest opposition party, after an earlier round of recall votes on July 26 failed to unseat any of the 24 KMT lawmakers targeted.