Did the July 25 Anti-Toxic Oil Rally Shock the DPP? Former KMT Legislator Praises Two Leaders for 'Selflessly Uniting the Opposition': The KMT Has Changed

The food safety scandal involving carcinogenic oil from Jhonglian has sparked public outrage, prompting the Kuomintang (KMT) to organize the 'I Am Human, I Oppose Toxic Taiwan' protest rally on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25. An estimated 200,000 people attended, with KMT Chairperson Jennifer Wang, Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen all present.

In response, former legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng posted on Facebook, stating that the July 25 rally has shaped a new leadership model for the opposition. He emphasized that unlike traditional rallies with a single headliner climax, this event featured no central protagonist. Instead, each phase—whether the Legislative Yuan caucus, local teams, or party headquarters—took the stage in turn, making every segment a highlight. 'The KMT has changed,' he declared.

Chen noted that amid the sudden and intense food safety crisis, the opposition swiftly united to voice public concerns and counter the arrogance of the ruling party. The July 25 rally not only mobilized massive public support but also forged a new leadership paradigm. This model, free of hierarchical distinctions, is increasingly referred to as the 'Lu-Chiang System,' named after Lu Hsiu-yen and Chiang Wan-an, who contributed significantly behind the scenes. They replaced top-down command with coordination and division of labor, aiming squarely at unity and electoral victory.

As a result, the rally had no single climax or star performer. Each group—legislative, local, and party—played a pivotal role. Some, like Hou Yu-ih, chose not to speak on stage, instead standing with the crowd. Others, like Han Kuo-yu, known for his energetic rallies, appeared in formal business attire, signaling seriousness. Diverse approaches were not a weakness but a strength, as long as everyone stood together.

Chen contrasted this with the past, where superficial harmony masked internal sabotage and infighting. He credited the progress to the magnanimity and selflessness of current leaders who have 'tightly bound everyone together.' He dismissed commentary attempting to stir division—such as claims of backstabbing or power struggles over the 2028 election—as outdated scripts being wrongly applied to a new political era. 'The KMT has already changed,' he insisted.

Additional exclusive reports from Storm Media: · Did the Green camp misjudge public sentiment on the toxic oil issue? With 200,000 on Ketagalan Boulevard, a writer predicts Lai Qing-te’s next move: 'Humiliation is nothing for 2028.' · Golden Horse actor condemns the July 25 rally as 'trampling on Taiwan'—Netizens fire back: 'Only launching a massive recall on Ketagalan is true love for Taiwan.' · 200,000 gather on Ketagalan to oppose toxic oil—Engineer says: 'I see hope.' The DPP, born from the streets, is now afraid.