Opinion Piece: National Congress vs. Anti-Toxic Oil – Which Matters More? KMT Central Should Not Dishearten Its Supporters

The toxic oil incident is undoubtedly the most watched and far-reaching public affairs news in 2026. After all, food is fundamental to people's lives, and the possibility of unknowingly consuming toxic substances is something the public simply cannot accept. Past election experiences have also shown that poor handling of food safety issues can have a significant impact on the ruling party.

This explains why Premier Cho Jung-tai, DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng, and Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an successively made controversial statements or inappropriate actions, ultimately having to apologize in embarrassment. If the pressure weren't immense, seasoned political figures like them would not make such careless mistakes.

However, timing is crucial—when the iron is hot. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an initiated the July 25 protest march on Ketagalan Boulevard, aiming to increase pressure on the central government to humbly and thoroughly resolve the issue. At this critical moment, the KMT central leadership's passive, bureaucratic attitude is truly disheartening.

Recently, KMT Cultural Communication Committee Chairperson Chen Yi-hsin (equivalent to spokesperson) held a press conference, where he emphasized that he would not estimate the number of participants in the July 25 anti-toxic oil rally on Ketagalan Boulevard. He further stated that the central party was only 'co-organizing,' 'jointly hosting,' that 'time is tight,' 'most resources are focused on the National Congress,' and called on initiators like Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and other county mayors to assist in mobilization.

In plain terms, such remarks are worthy of criticism and amount to blatant blame-shifting—particularly clumsy and bureaucratic blame-shifting.

What do the people want? At the very least, a stable and secure life. Since her election, Chairperson Jennifer Chang has repeatedly emphasized the need for the KMT to regain its fighting spirit. But is this 'fighting spirit' merely about finding excuses? This is absolutely not what supporters and party members want to see.

How important is the National Congress? Frankly, to 23 million people, it's not important at all. What truly matters is demonstrating Taiwan's public sentiment, pressuring the DPP, and showing the people that the KMT has real fighting power. Isn't that the right path? Mr. Chen regularly posts on Facebook demanding another election against Wang Ting-yu, yet when a real opportunity arises to confront the DPP on the streets, he suddenly comes up with numerous caveats and excuses—this is simply too absurd.

The author believes this entire matter stems only from Chen Yi-hsin's inappropriate wording. From Chairperson Jennifer Chang down to grassroots party units, the KMT possesses sufficient political experience to understand the importance of harnessing this wave of public sentiment. Their vocabulary surely includes the phrase 'the responsibility is mine to bear.' The KMT's spokesperson system should exercise restraint, avoid demoralizing statements, as such remarks are harmful in every way—to themselves, to others, to the party, and to the nation.

*Author is an insurance salesperson