The KMT caucus announced Monday, July 27, that it is again calling a rally on Katagalan Boulevard on August 1, in support of civic groups demanding stronger action and accountability for drunk and drug-impaired driving. DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢) questions the KMT’s motive for support, suggesting the party actually seeks confrontation. Wu said that if the KMT, which has the controlling legislative vote, actually wants action, they should return to the Legislature and push for legal amendments.

Earlier, on July 25, the KMT organized a rally criticizing the Cabinet and ruling party for their slow response to the ongoing tainted oil scandal. Now, together with civic groups like the Chinese Association for Human Rights, they are calling for rallies again – this time for stricter drunk and drug-impaired driving prevention, punishment, and judicial reforms.

Chinese Human Rights Association Chairman James Wei (魏憶龍) claims that the public disapproves of the courts’ handling of recent cases, claiming excessive care for the protection of defendants’ rights while neglecting the rights of victims and their families. He urged the government to address the imbalance in the system, and the public to join the rally on August 1 to show support for victims’ rights and judicial reform.

KMT Legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) emphasized that the event was initiated by civic groups and is non-partisan. He said the KMT was merely assisting in promotion, and those in favor of the rally goals should attend the rally, regardless of their party affiliation. 

DPP spokesperson Wu responded, saying that the KMT holds substantial power in the Legislature over related issues, and urged lawmakers to return and address the issues directly through the legal system. Wu said expediting the general budget would help the executive branch and its related policies be more effective and ultimately help the Taiwanese people the most.

Similarly, DPP legislator Fan Yun (范雲) pointed out that the Cabinet has already submitted an amendment to the laws regarding impaired driving to the Legislature and the Judiciary and Legal Affairs Committee for review. She said government ministries and agencies also have preventative measures at their disposal. With the KMT’s majority in the legislature, she recommended they accelerate the amendment process or convene special meetings to make change, rather than calling the public to the streets and changing the agenda.