Over 200,000 Protest on Ketagalan Boulevard Against Toxic Oil! Central Government Responds: 'Return to Work Immediately' – Chiang Wan-an and Lu Hsiu-yen Fire Back

On July 25, a protest against the toxic oil scandal drew over 200,000 people to Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, and more than ten other county and city leaders from the opposition camp attended the demonstration, criticizing the central government's slow and inadequate response. In reaction, the presidential office, the Executive Yuan, and the ruling party issued a statement urging local officials to 'return to their posts immediately,' a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

Chiang Wan-an stated on the 26th, 'I cannot accept the presidential office’s response. How can they adopt such a paternalistic and arrogant attitude?' He emphasized that citizens braved extreme heat, pressure, and authority to speak out for their own and future generations’ health. 'The central government’s handling has been chaotic and irresponsible. Local governments stood on Ketagalan Boulevard to defend food safety—that is our duty, and it was necessary. I truly cannot understand how this government can maintain such an authoritarian mindset.'

Meanwhile, Lu Hsiu-yen attended the KMT’s Unity and Self-Strengthening Rally in Hualien. She criticized President Lai Ching-te for only offering a lukewarm reminder to the public to 'be careful' after the incident. 'This is not proactive problem-solving but a sign of disregard for public health risks,' she said. The truth behind the toxic oil scandal remains unclear, and the public remains anxious. Yet, the central government continues to allow related products on shelves while telling consumers to avoid risks on their own—an approach Lu called 'unacceptable.'

Lu also pointed out that KMT Legislative Yuan Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi, Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Cheng-wei, and county mayoral candidate Yu Shu-chen represented local residents in speaking out. However, their efforts were met with the central government’s dismissive response: 'Don’t go to Ketagalan Boulevard; return to work.' This, she said, shows the central government’s indifference toward people’s livelihoods and food safety. 'If the government refuses to take responsibility for food safety, then why should the people pay taxes to have it govern the nation? The ruling party isn’t doing its job, and its heart isn’t with the people,' Lu declared, calling directly on President Lai: 'Mr. President, go to work and handle food safety now.'

The protest has exposed deep public distrust toward the ruling party and could significantly influence the 2028 leadership election. According to Storm Media, voices from writers and citizens suggest that the DPP, once a 'street-born party,' now fears the streets.