Provoked by the Green Camp? Lu Shiow-yen's 'Topple Lai' Declaration Sends Shockwaves — Former KMT Legislator Notes Her Major Shift: She Won't Be Absent in 2028

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen recently declared, 'topple the cabinet nationwide in 2026, topple Lai nationwide in 2028,' emphasizing that the nation can become happier and progress socially and politically only with a better governance team. In response, former KMT legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng posted on Facebook, stating that the recent food safety crisis has placed Taichung at the epicenter of political attacks, particularly from the Green Camp, and this premature shock has revealed a significant transformation in Lu's mindset. 'No matter how the opposition unites in 2028, Lu Ma will definitely not be absent,' he asserted.

Chen pointed out that during the launch of Chiang Chi-chen’s campaign headquarters—held in Taichung, Lu’s political stronghold—Lu publicly proclaimed the slogan 'topple the cabinet in 2026, topple Lai in 2028,' marking the beginning of a new political trajectory. Chen, who joined the Taichung Industrial Development Council in January, shared that this role has brought him closer to industrial policy than ever before in his political career, calling it an immensely rewarding experience. He even joked that he should have taken the position two years earlier, such is his passion for the work.

Chen admitted he had been closely watching Lu’s intentions regarding the 2028 presidential election. However, her 'slowness,' as gentle as Taichung’s weather, had nearly driven her allies to frustration. In Taipei’s cutthroat political arena, where media often use brutal language, some even claimed Lu wouldn’t need to run in 2028. Yet Lu remained unfazed, proceeding steadily at her own pace—until the recent food safety scandal.

With Taichung at the frontline of intense scrutiny and Green Camp attacks, this early 'shock education' ignited Lu’s fighting spirit. Chen emphasized that Lu is best known for her motto: 'If others can’t do it, I will,' and 'If others can’t achieve it, I will.' This is not just rhetoric—two of Taichung’s major landmarks, the Green & Art Museum (Green Beauty Museum) and the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, had been stalled for years but were finally contracted and constructed under Lu’s leadership, fully funded by the city government, even amid three years of pandemic challenges.

'This is Lu Ma’s resilience,' Chen acknowledged. Unlike the aggressive, fast-talking northern political culture, Lu, a typical Virgo, is extremely meticulous. Though her preparation is slow, once she makes a decision, she moves forward courageously, persists relentlessly, and ensures excellence. Given her declaration of 'topple the cabinet in 2026, topple Lai in 2028,' Chen believes she has already strategized her path—Lu Shiow-yen will undoubtedly be a key player in any opposition coalition in 2028.