Han warns Taiwan's democracy must not be seen as 'fake democracy, real dictatorship'

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu warned at the Double Ten National Day ceremony that Taiwan's democracy must not be seen as a 'fake democracy, real dictatorship.' He cited recall campaigns against opposition lawmakers as 'political persecution' and accused the executive branch of refusing to countersi

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) yesterday warned that Taiwan's democracy must not be seen as a 'fake democracy, real dictatorship,' speaking at the Double Ten National Day ceremony as chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee.

Han cited last year's recall campaigns against opposition lawmakers, which he described as 'political persecution,' and the executive branch's refusal to countersign bills passed by the legislature. He warned that the standoff between the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan could damage Taiwan's international reputation as a democracy.

Over the past year, Han had accompanied lawmakers from different political parties on visits to countries around the world, where legislators had shown a keen interest in Taiwan and held highly favorable views of the nation, he said. Such parliamentary diplomacy had enabled other people to hear the voice of the Republic of China (ROC), Han added.

He made three wishes as the nation celebrated its 115th birthday: a secure Taiwan, prosperity for its people and a thriving democracy. When it comes to national identity and ideology, Taiwanese should set aside their differences, consolidate strength and jointly defend the ROC, Han said.

Taiwan's security must always come first, Han said, outlining four goals: Taiwan must do everything possible to defend and protect the ROC; protect democracy and freedom; maintain good relations with the US, as its support is vital to the nation; and preserve peace across the Taiwan Strait.

President William Lai's (賴清德) administration had failed to resolve the confrontation between the executive and legislative branches, causing serious damage to his reputation, Han said. He said he remained confident that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and the opposition parties could work together, expressing hope that Taiwan's democracy would continue to advance.

In response, Executive Yuan spokeswoman Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said the Executive Yuan and Legislative Yuan were institutions that exercised their powers in accordance with the Constitution and should respect each other's authority while jointly upholding constitutional order. Neither side should exceed its constitutional boundaries or stigmatize constitutional mechanisms for political gain, she added. Democratic Progressive Party caucus chief executive Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) questioned whether Han had turned a national birthday celebration into a political denunciation rally, and said people exercising their legal right to recall elected officials should not be branded as engaging in 'political persecution.' If Han expected the ruling and opposition parties to put aside their differences, he should lead by example in his own remarks, Chuang said.