Han Kuo-yu's Anger Over 'This Path'? Huang Wei-han Highlights Key Difference Between Him and Lo, Chiang, Cheng: Not Just Targeting Fu Kun-chi

With just over three months until the 2026 county and municipal elections, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu made an unusual outburst during cross-party negotiations over this year's budget. Han expressed strong dissatisfaction that KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi once again failed to attend, and had not authorized Secretary-General Lin Pei-hsiang to sign on his behalf. Han even suggested Fu should resign as caucus leader if he continues to absent himself, sparking ongoing political repercussions.

In response, media commentator Huang Wei-han posted relevant clips from the Legislative Yuan livestream on the 12th, commenting on Han's recent actions. He suggested that 'Han Kuo-yu's anger' might symbolize a move toward a different 'Han Kuo-yu path,' and that public opinion will ultimately determine which side gains broader support.

Why was Han Kuo-yu angry? What happened during the budget negotiations?

On the 11th, the Legislative Yuan held its third round of cross-party negotiations over the 2025 central government budget. Han asked Lin Pei-hsiang whether he had been authorized by Fu Kun-chi. Lin replied that he had not. Han then questioned how negotiations could proceed if the caucus leader was absent and the secretary-general lacked signing authority. Han presented three options: Fu attends in person, delegates authority to a caucus official, or resigns as leader—his tone was notably forceful.

During the meeting, Han directly criticized the situation, using strong language: 'Is this Empress Dowager Cixi ruling from behind the curtain?' 'Is the Legislative Yuan controlled by dark forces?' 'If you don't sign, the consequences are on you.' Ultimately, Lin Pei-hsiang signed the negotiation outcome, temporarily resolving the deadlock.

Legislator Lin Pei-hsiang found himself at the center of the Legislative Yuan standoff. (Photo credit: Ko Cheng-hui)

Is Han Kuo-yu forging his own path? Has he previously criticized the party caucus?

Huang Wei-han pointed out that Han had previously expressed concern over blocked defense legislation and shown impatience with KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling for delaying budget negotiations. Now, Han has become the first Legislative Yuan President to directly rebuke the KMT caucus leadership. Huang suggests 'Han's anger' symbolizes his intent to take a different path—one that may make Han the most criticized among deep-blue supporters compared to Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and KMT Chairperson Chang Li-wen.

However, Huang cautioned that many critics might be online trolls or 'little pink' nationalists, whose authenticity should be carefully assessed. What is certain, he said, is that Han has decided to take a path different from both the party leadership and Fu Kun-chi.

Why was Fu absent from negotiations? How does Fu respond to Han's accusations?

In response, Fu Kun-chi posted a lengthy statement on Facebook titled 'Hard work, President Han! Soft protest achieved its goal—don't let the Legislative Yuan be hollowed out.' He emphasized that he would rather be misunderstood than allow government arrogance to go unchecked. He first expressed gratitude: 'Hard work, President Han,' acknowledging Han's efforts in mediating cross-party disputes amid increasing executive overreach and repeated disregard for legislative authority. Fu stressed that he does not disrespect Han, but rather used a soft approach to protest the executive branch's neglect of legislative power, precisely to protect Han from being undermined by the Executive Yuan.