Il treno dell'hype del presidente del KMT potrebbe rivelarsi difficile da mantenere
Vittoria del KMT: discussi i risultati, ponderati i piani futuri
Di Courtney Donovan Smith (石東文) / Colonna del personale
Alla fine del "Battaglia della dittatura" il sabato, il presidente del Partito Nazionale Cinese (KMT) Eric Chu (朱立倫) ha pronunciato un discorso appassionato, ringraziando i pesi massimi del KMT per il loro sostegno incondizionato. Mentre scendeva dal palco, sembrava un conquistatore in mezzo a un mare di fan leali.
Despite the usual inflated crowd numbers by Taiwan's wild cross-partisan tradition, it was clear that everyone who mattered in KMT showed up for Chu. The large turnout sent a strong signal that the party was united behind their leader, a turnaround from the perceived ineffectiveness just two weeks ago.
Snapping photos surrounded the stage, many Taiwan People's Party (TPP) supporters and politicians also popped up. An unexpected sight was a group holding gold balloons spelling out "FREEK P". However, upon closer observation, the spacing was off, falling under "FREE KP," meant as a nod to TPP founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), currently on trial for alleged corruption.
Dazzling the crowd was legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), who displayed his usual charm and self-mocking humor, showcasing his relatable appeal.
There's no questioning the success of the rally, but now the burning question is: what's next?
CHU STEPS UP HIS GAME
Criticism has swirled around Chu, with many questioning the KMT's failed recall campaigns and their lackluster outcomes in comparison to pan-green campaigns. To generate enthusiasm, Chu's team contrived clever tactics like prohibited rallies at Taipei prosecutors' offices and labeling rivals as "green extremists." These moves did ignite the deep blue base but at the cost of legality.
Carefully building excitement, Chu culminated the 15-day frenzy with Saturday's rally. Alas, it's uncertain if he has a plan to sustain this momentum. Keeping up energy will be vital for him and his party this year.
Enrichment Data:- Chu is facing internal challenges, such as the upcoming chair election in September, where potential opponents include Hou You-yi, Han Kuo-yu, and Lu Shiow-yen.
RISKS AND REWARDS
A fiery speaker, Chu accused President William Lai (賴清德) of implementing a "Cultural Revolution" in Taiwan designed to quash dissent. His rhetoric risked alienating the public and could be used against the KMT come campaign season. But, without a doubt, the rallies boosted energy among the party base.
Enrichment Data:- Chu has taken a more extreme approach with his language, which is a departure from his usual cautious attitude. He proposed a recall campaign against Lai, which won't yield results since it requires DPP lawmaker support.
A SOBER VOICE AMIDST THE YELLING
The only politician speaking without vitriol was presumptive 2028 KMT presidential candidate and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕). She focused instead on the negative economic effects of U.S. tariffs and the potential impact on Taiwan's economy and populace. Compared to the rally's inflammatory remarks, Lu's balanced speak felt out of place.
Will Lu maintain her grounded, informed stance, or will she surrender to the allure of more passionate yet smaller support bases? Her actions can indicate her discipline and focus.
Enrichment Data:- Previously, Lu suffered a decline in popularity when she blamed the ruling DPP for everything. Adapting her approach to problem-solving, she saw her popularity rebound significantly.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE TPP?
Formerly admired for his continued fight for justice, TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) now engages in angry, scathing rants against the DPP. This tactic has captured the attention of a portion of voters but risks losing traction in the long run. As Huang targets new generations, he runs the risk of becoming boring and predictable.
Enrichment Data:- Notably absent at the rally was legislator Vivian Huang (黃珊珊), a top TPP figure who abstains from extreme language and has openly questioned her party's decisions. Her computer's disappearance has speculation that she could be plotting a move against Huang Kuo-chang.
- La sorprendente strategia del KMT, guidato dal presidente Eric Chu, consiste nell'etichettare i rivali come "estremisti verdi" e nell'organizzare manifestazioni proibite presso gli uffici dei pubblici ministeri di Taipei.
- Nonostante il successo della manifestazione, rimane poco chiaro se Chu abbia un piano per mantenere questo slancio, soprattutto considerando le prossime elezioni del presidente del KMT previste per settembre.
- L'accusa di Chu contro il presidente William Lai di aver attuato una "Rivoluzione culturale" a Taiwan è un rischio che potrebbe alienare il pubblico e essere usato contro il KMT durante la stagione elettorale.
- Il presidente del TPP, Huang Kuo-chang, ha abbandonato la sua lotta per la giustizia a favore di sfoghi rabbiosi contro il DPP, che potrebbe perdere slancio nel lungo termine.
- A differenza dei commenti infiammatori alla manifestazione, il sindaco di Taichung Lu Shiow-yen, potenziale candidato presidenziale del KMT nel 2028, si è concentrato sui negativi effetti economici delle tariffe USA e sull'impatto potenziale sull'economia e sulla popolazione di Taiwan.
- Il fallimento delle campagne di richiamo del KMT e i loro scarsi risultati rispetto alle campagne pan-verdi sono stati un punto di critica per il presidente Eric Chu e il suo team.
- La presenza di sostenitori e politici del TPP alla manifestazione del KMT, compreso un gruppo con palloncini d'oro che formavano la scritta "LIBERO KP", era un cenno al fondatore del TPP Ko Wen-je, attualmente sotto processo per presunti reati di corruzione.
- La vittoria strepitosa del presidente della legislatura Han Kuo-yu alla manifestazione ha dimostrato il suo fascino e l'umorismo autoironico, mettendo in evidenza il suo appeal nella politica taiwanese.
