Could the July 25 Anti-Toxic Oil Rally Influence the 2028 Election? Shen Cheng-nan Recalls KMT's 2014 Collapse: DPP Under Significant Pressure

The carcinogenic oil scandal involving Chung Lian Oils continues to escalate, with the Blue-White coalition planning an 'Anti-Toxic Oil' protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25. Psychiatrist Shen Cheng-nan posted on Facebook, warning that if the protest gains significant momentum, it could affect the upcoming local elections and even become a pivotal political event influencing the 2028 presidential election.

Shen cited the 2014 food safety scandal as a precedent, noting that the crisis led to the resignation of the Minister of Health and Welfare and resulted in a major defeat for the Kuomintang (KMT) in the year-end mayoral elections, indirectly affecting the 2016 presidential election. He believes that if the current toxic oil incident is not effectively contained, it will place considerable pressure on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Shen lamented, 'After 10 years of DPP governance, Taiwan has become a place where anyone can be mistreated.'

Shen specifically pointed to remarks by DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng and Minister without Portfolio Lin Ching-i as the spark that ignited public outrage. He criticized Wu for saying on a web show, 'Did I force you to eat it?'—a comment that sparked backlash and made the public feel the ruling party was dismissive of food safety issues.

He also criticized Lin for stating during a legislative inquiry that frying could produce benzopyrene levels higher than those in the oil itself, and that eating fried chicken cutlets was not encouraged. Shen argued that such statements not only divert from the core issue of the toxic oil scandal but could also be interpreted as an attempt to shift focus from the government's inadequate handling.

Shen emphasized that in the face of major food safety incidents, the government should directly clarify the source of contamination, product distribution, and administrative responsibilities, rather than shifting blame solely onto oil manufacturers. He also criticized some pro-DPP voices for attributing the incident to 'a conspiracy by the Chinese communists' or claiming that the refinery’s shareholders have ties to Chinese organized crime, arguing such claims do not help uncover the truth.

He stated bluntly that from the assault on Japanese media personality Akira Yatabe to the carcinogenic oil scandal, some DPP supporters habitually point to China as the source of problems, but what the public truly cares about is whether the government can safeguard food safety and handle crises transparently.

Shen also noted that the July 25 anti-toxic oil rally on Ketagalan Boulevard, initiated by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, carries political significance. He analyzed that every move Chiang makes from now on is likely laying the groundwork for a presidential run—though the timing may not necessarily be 2028, but possibly the 2032 or 2036 elections.