Mei-Li Island Poll: Zhonglian Carcinogenic Oil Scandal Engulfs Cabinet! Cho's Approval Plummets, Lai Unscathed — Here's Why

The Mei-Li Island News has released its latest July national policy poll, which includes an investigation into the Zhonglian carcinogenic oil scandal. Regarding the central government's handling of the incident, 26.6% of the public expressed satisfaction, 59.5% dissatisfaction, and 13.9% gave no clear answer. Media commentator Huang Yang-ming stated that this poll reveals neutral voters are extremely dissatisfied with the central government's response, but the political fire has only reached Premier Cho, not President Lai.

The poll indicates that President Lai Qingde's approval rating stands at 44.7%, up 0.8 percentage points from last month; 47.4% disapprove, down 0.1 percentage point; and 7.9% gave no clear answer. For Premier Cho Jung-tai, 40.2% approve (down 0.6 points), 45.1% disapprove (up 5.1 points), and 14.7% gave no clear answer.

Why Has Cho's Disapproval Rating Soared? Huang Yang-ming: 'He's the One Standing on the Frontline to Take the Blows'

Huang Yang-ming commented on the program 'Big News, Big Explosion,' stating that the key takeaway from this poll is 'Cho Jung-tai's disapproval rating surged by 5 percentage points.' He noted that in previous Mei-Li Island polls, Cho's approval typically slightly exceeded disapproval, and at times even outperformed Lai Qingde. So why the reversal now? Huang explained it's because Cho has been more visible on the frontline during the oil crisis.

Huang mentioned that the public perceives the tainted oil issue as the Executive Yuan's responsibility. Since Cho has not apologized and no officials have resigned, public dissatisfaction with the administration is being channeled toward him. In contrast, Lai Qingde has cleverly stayed out of the spotlight, using safe statements like 'accountability must be enforced.'

Huang also pointed out that although the opposition criticized Lai for appearing alongside Hong Yao-kun, chairman of Fushou Corporation, 'the opposition didn’t press hard, because Hong also has close ties with the KMT. This fact allows the DPP to counterattack.' As both sides deflect blame, Lai remains politically unscathed, while the DPP has framed the carcinogenic oil scandal as 'entirely caused by Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen.' In contrast, Cho is forced to stand tall and absorb the political attacks.

Is This a Warning Sign for the DPP Government? Huang Yang-ming: Neutral Voters Are Extremely Dissatisfied

Huang stated that the poll clearly highlights Cho's accountability. On the question of satisfaction with the central government's handling of the tainted oil issue, even among DPP supporters, only 54% expressed satisfaction and 35% dissatisfaction — 'this is the first crack, as even the pan-green camp lacks absolute loyalty in defense.'

Moreover, among neutral voters, only 16% expressed satisfaction with the central government's response, while 60% were dissatisfied — higher than the overall average of 59.5%. 'This is what truly threatens the DPP,' Huang emphasized. The poll was conducted from July 28 to 30, 2026, so even before these dates, neutral voters were already deeply frustrated. The political blame is currently directed at Cho Jung-tai, and the fire has not yet reached Lai Qingde.

This poll was commissioned by The Mei-Li Island News and designed and analyzed by Chang Yu-Tsung, Dean of the College of Social Sciences at National Taiwan University, with telephone interviews conducted by Trend Survey Company. The survey covered all 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, targeting citizens aged 20 and above. A total of 1,200 valid interviews were completed (840 via landline, 360 via mobile phone). The combined sample has a maximum sampling error of ±2.83% at a 95% confidence level.