Jason Chien Calls for July 25 Protest on Ketagalan Boulevard Against Toxic Oil; Taiwan People's Party Responds: Citizens Concerned About Food Safety Must Stand Up

Taipei Mayor Jason Chien has called for a protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25 to oppose the toxic oil scandal. On July 21, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislative Caucus held a press conference, where caucus convener Chen Ching-lung stated that 21 days have passed since the toxic oil incident was first reported on June 30, yet no truth has been revealed. Chen criticized the DPP government for claiming to be action-oriented while demonstrating administrative incompetence and bureaucratic negligence.

Chen questioned the delayed response after Premier Cho Jung-tai promised to release an inspection report, only for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to later issue a press release announcing the formation of a third-party investigation team—one that would not become operational for another week. "How many days have already passed?" Chen asked, adding, "Is Premier Cho still asleep?"

He emphasized that the crisis stems not from legal deficiencies but from the failure to enforce existing laws. The current Food Safety Act already authorizes central authorities to conduct investigations, yet these powers have not been exercised. Therefore, the TPP proposes amending the law to transform authorization into a mandatory obligation for inspections.

Deputy convener Wang An-hsiang criticized the administration's handling of the food safety issue as delayed and chaotic. He urged those feeling anxious or angry to take to the streets, calling on all friends who value food safety to stand up and express their concerns and outrage.

Regarding which TPP members will attend the protest, the party stated that details will be announced later. However, the event underscores growing public concern over food safety and diminishing trust in the government, with broad civic participation expected.