Chen Shih-Chang's Perspective: No Accountability, Blame-Shifting, and Intimidation – Voters Must Show Zero Tolerance

Taiwan’s proud democracy has been utterly degraded—from the Lai administration’s push for mass recalls to its current handling of the tainted oil scandal. Voters’ patience is being tested repeatedly, yet societal sentiment shows no sign of boiling over. This raises concerns: what has happened to Taiwan’s democratic literacy? Are people truly waiting until it’s too late to react, or is public anger merely suppressed, to erupt all at once in the next two elections? Given the current silence, such doubts are justified.

Taiwanese voters are indeed remarkably tolerant, repeatedly forgiving politicians. But this leniency is a disgrace to democracy, especially as it enables emotional blackmail by those in power. Even when voters regret their choices, they fall under the spell again in the next election. This two- or four-year cycle of suffering is not a point of pride—it’s a dark lesson in democratic decay.

Reviewing over two years of the Lai administration’s performance, its blatant disregard for bills passed by the highest legislative body, its habit of blaming the opposition or even mainland China, and its use of so-called 'resilience' to manufacture cross-strait crises through intimidation—these three behaviors are unacceptable in any public servant. As the true masters of this nation, must voters silently endure, or even smile through the pain? Has Taiwanese society sunk so low that such conduct is still tolerable?

The essence of democracy is simple: the minority obeys the majority, and the government executes the people’s will. No further education should be needed. Yet why does the Lai administration repeatedly ignore, even scorn, legislation passed by the Legislative Yuan, and rationalize non-compliance? This is not just a farce in democratic operation—it’s causing Taiwan to spin its wheels. Neglecting legislation is already a grave offense; now, with the tainted oil scandal exploding, the administration’s attitude remains one of neglect. Can this be tolerated?

The Lai administration manipulates ideology to the extreme, using every means to obstruct cross-strait civilian exchanges. It weaponizes rare individual cases to scare people away from traveling to the mainland, turning isolated security incidents into claims of Chinese cross-border jurisdiction. Even Hsiao Bi-khim claims she 'can’t sleep at night.' When the government fails or underperforms, it routinely deploys green media allies to blame blue-camp leaders. This pattern plays out daily, poisoning public discourse. Can this be tolerated?

As for intimidation, Trump is the undisputed master, with Netanyahu, Zelenskyy, Koizumi Sanae, and Bongbong Marcos as secondary figures. The Lai administration constantly tries to piggyback on this trend, repeatedly placing the Taiwan Strait on the global powder keg list. Were it not for the U.S. being preoccupied and stepping in at critical moments to silence Lai, Taiwan might already have become a battlefield. As long as this mindset persists, such crises will never end. Can this be tolerated?

Voters must face reality: Taiwan is not as strong as the Lai administration claims. It’s crucial to recognize how many Taiwanese elites have left and how much private capital has fled since Lai took office. Even Trump seeks to relocate more of Taiwan’s high-tech industry. Taiwan is deteriorating at an unprecedented pace, leaving no room for governmental negligence. The administration’s fear of cross-strait exchanges stems from insecurity, yet it cannot stop Taiwanese feet and minds. Travel to the mainland continues unabated, and more students are rushing into top Chinese universities. 'Only Green Remains' moved Taiwanese hearts. Doesn’t Taiwan boast world-class soft power? Why fear united front tactics so much? Blaming the mainland at every turn is not only foolish but cowardly.

Intimidation is the last posture Taiwan needs. Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery is its people, not tanks. While foreign tourists throng the streets of Bangkok and Hanoi daily, Taipei sees few international visitors. Could it be that Taiwan is perceived as dangerous? Taiwan should not emulate the Philippines. The Lai administration uses 'anti-China' rhetoric to turn Taiwan into a paranoid fortress. Even absurd polls claim over 80% of young Taiwanese are willing to fight. A simple street interview easily debunks this. The Lai administration pretends not to see the real public sentiment.

The problem is clear, the answer simple: negligence, blame-shifting, and intimidation have become the Lai administration’s daily routine. The tainted oil scandal is merely another wake-up call—voters must show zero tolerance!

*The author is a veteran media professional.