Taipei, July 19, 2025 — Former President Chen Shui-bian on Friday condemned comments made by Kuomintang (KMT) National Policy Foundation Deputy Director Ling Tao, who suggested that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) might impose martial law in response to an impending recall election.
Ling’s statement, made during an interview with ETtoday, speculated that the DPP could take extreme measures to sway the outcome of the recall vote. He cited a recent proposal by DPP legislative caucus leader Ker Chien-ming to invoke a contentious law once used during Taiwan’s authoritarian White Terror period. Ling also pointed to a Facebook post from the official DPP caucus page that appeared to support South Korea’s recent brief implementation of martial law.
Chen Shui-bian dismissed the claims as “groundless scare tactics,” likening them to similar accusations made in 2008 when the KMT warned the DPP might declare martial law and cling to power after losing the presidential race. “These are recycled false narratives,” Chen said, labeling Ling’s speculation as a “fake agenda” with no basis in reality.
In defense, Ling asserted that the DPP had never made such proposals during Chen’s own administration, referencing instead the DPP’s prior interest in the now-shelved Digital Intermediary Services Act. That controversial bill, withdrawn in 2022 following public outcry, was criticized for potentially curbing freedom of expression online.
The remarks sparked a strong backlash from DPP officials. DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang rebuked Ling, accusing him of intentionally spreading fear to energize KMT supporters. Legislator Wang Shi-chien also weighed in, urging the opposition not to mislead the public with baseless claims that could inflame tensions.
As the recall election approaches, both parties appear locked in a fierce war of narratives—each accusing the other of undermining democratic norms.
