Chiang Wan-an Slams Central Government for Covering Up Toxic Oil; Lu Shiow-yen Cites Lai's 12-Year-Old Statement, Counters: Don't Shift Blame to Local Governments

On the 21st, the Executive Yuan convened a meeting with representatives from the six major cities to discuss amendments to the Food Safety Act. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai attended in person. Before the meeting, Chiang stated in an interview that the central government had initially chosen to conceal the list of downstream businesses involved and selectively removed only some of the toxic oils that endangered public health. These actions, he said, had left the public in a state of panic, and the Premier must bear political responsibility.

Chiang emphasized that over three weeks have passed since the toxic oil scandal erupted, yet the truth remains unclear. A task force was only established recently, and factory inspections are just beginning on the 21st. Meanwhile, the central government's decision to withhold the names of downstream businesses and selectively recall harmful oils has deepened public anxiety. Chiang reiterated that legal reform and accountability are two separate issues, and he will not change his decision to join the protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25.

He also expressed regret that the Executive Yuan did not invite any counties or cities beyond the six major metropolitan areas. During this food safety crisis, every local government has worked tirelessly on the front lines—conducting inspections, recalls, and product withdrawals. In the meeting, he urged that local governments' recommendations for future amendments to the Food Safety Act be seriously considered.

Lu Shiow-yen noted that the carcinogenic oil incident has now lasted three weeks, with no end in sight and the truth still unknown. Local governments have shouldered the bulk of the work—inspections, testing, recalls, and reporting—under immense pressure. Many counties and cities are eager to voice their opinions to the central government and push for systemic reform to resolve the crisis and restore food safety.

On the morning of the 21st, Taichung City convened a 'National Conference on Anti-Toxic Oil' with 17 counties and cities, which proceeded smoothly. Lu expressed satisfaction that the central government had finally taken notice, albeit belatedly, as the Executive Yuan only notified the six mayors the day before to attend a meeting on the afternoon of the 21st to discuss Food Safety Act amendments. However, she stressed that amending the Food Safety Act is only one part of addressing the broader crisis.

Lu highlighted that several mayors questioned why they were excluded from the meeting. She called on President Lai Qing-de to promptly convene a national summit to collectively address the crisis and implement systemic reforms. If the President does not act, she vowed to present the morning meeting's outcomes during the afternoon session and insisted that the reform proposals and experiences shared by the 17 counties and cities must be taken seriously—not treated as mere formalities.

Lu further criticized that while local governments are busy handling the oil crisis, certain central officials are preoccupied with attacking local administrations. 'We are working so hard,' she said, and then referenced a statement made by Lai Qing-de 12 years ago when he was mayor of Tainan. At that time, amid a cooking oil scandal, Lai said, 'The president should convene all ministries to resolve the issue, not shift responsibility onto local governments from a presidential podium.' Lu questioned whether central agencies or the Presidential Office are now ignoring Lai’s own words, or if internal conflicts are preventing effective governance.

She reiterated Lai’s past statement, urging the President to immediately convene all central ministries, local governments, and experts from industry, government, and academia to collaboratively solve the crisis. She emphasized that Lai must remember his own words from 12 years ago and called on central agencies and the Presidential Office to respect both President Lai and Mayor Lai. 'If members of the same party do not respect their own president, how can others?'