Is Lai Qingde Unfazed by the Toxic Oil Scandal? Lee Yen-chiu Exposes His 'Divine Protection' Beyond Blaming Taichung's Mayor: Deserved to Be Angry

With the 2026 local elections approaching, the Lai administration faces its first major test in office. The carcinogenic oil incident has not only triggered a food safety crisis but also political fallout. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has rallied public support, calling for a 'March Against Toxic Oil' on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25, boosting the Kuomintang's momentum.

On August 8, media figure Lee Yen-chiu posted on Facebook titled 'Deserved to Be Angry,' criticizing how the scandal revealed 'the ceiling of arrogance and incompetence' among those in power. Lai Qingde, who also chairs the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has ignored the roar of tens of thousands protesting in the streets.

At the end of her post, Lee sarcastically suggested the DPP's future campaign slogan would be: 'The DPP is terrible, but we won’t let the Communists rule Taiwan.'

What is Lai Qingde’s stance on the toxic oil scandal?

Lee pointed out that after the scandal broke, the Lai administration and Premier Cho's cabinet engaged in concealment, lying, covering up, and shifting blame. Lai himself remained invisible, ignoring public outrage, while the presidential office, executive branch, and party intensified election campaigning. Many were puzzled by this strategy, but Lee concluded: 'Ultimately, it's the people's fault.'

First, political ethics have a baseline. Given the gravity of food safety, the government should be humble and remorseful. Public anger toward the ruling party's arrogance stems from applying one’s own moral standards or still having expectations of the Lai administration. Thus, being furious to the point of death is 'deserved,' Lee argued.

Will any officials resign over the toxic oil scandal? Who bears responsibility—local or central government?

Lee also criticized the opposition for demanding apologies and resignations, calling it a mistake born of misplaced expectations. Even if someone resigns, the replacement might be worse. What you see as arrogance, supporters may view as resistance against China. This explains why many DPP officials rise in rank after stepping down—loyalty and allegiance matter more than competence.

With just four months until the election, Lai quickly framed the scandal as 'Taichung’s fault, not the central government’s,' implying the mayor should be replaced. If you're still angry that the DPP is blurring focus, blaming opponents, prioritizing elections, and treating the public like fools, then 'you truly deserve to die angry,' Lee wrote.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has repeatedly clashed with the central government over the toxic oil issue. (Photo credit: Yen Lin-yu)

Lee noted that some believe the failure of large-scale recall efforts and low approval ratings should teach Lai a lesson. But Lai’s governance and election strategy revolve solely around 'resisting China to protect Taiwan.' His remarks on the toxic oil scandal focus not on investigating contaminated oil but on attacking Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and emphasizing, 'Taiwan must not be ruled by the Communists.' This clearly shows his mission outweighs food safety concerns.

She concluded that the toxic oil case will make no progress. Government officials will grow more arrogant, and judicial actions may follow. While the opposition remains divided, Lai has already achieved 'divine protection,' utterly dismissing his 60% support rate.