Taipei: President Lai Ching-te announced plans for a Cabinet reshuffle and expressed openness to advanced nuclear power following the failure of recall votes against seven opposition lawmakers and a referendum on restarting a nuclear power plant that did not meet the approval threshold.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai addressed the Presidential Office after the voting, emphasizing the importance of listening to the people and expressing hope for greater cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties. He acknowledged the failure of the referendum to meet the required threshold of 'yes' votes exceeding 25 percent of all eligible voters but respected the outcome and recognized society's expectations for diverse energy options.
Lai, who also serves as chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), noted that over 4 million voters cast "yes" ballots in the referendum on whether to extend the operation of Taiwan's Third Nuclear Power Plant, compared with over 1.5 million who voted "no." He emphasized that nuclear power is a scientific issue that cannot be resolved by a single referendum.
The president explained that restarting a nuclear power plant involves two requirements: the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) must establish regulations for the safety review process, and Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) must conduct safety inspections in line with these regulations. Lai instructed both the NSC and state-run Taipower to carry out these requirements.
Regarding nuclear power, Lai stated that the government will adhere to three principles: ensuring nuclear safety, resolving nuclear waste issues, and achieving social consensus. He indicated that if future technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and public acceptance increases, the government does not rule out advanced nuclear energy. This could signal a shift in the DPP's long-term "nuclear-free homeland" policy.
Addressing the recall votes against opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers, Lai admitted to shortcomings in government policies and pledged self-reflection and changes. He announced necessary personnel changes in his Cabinet and asked Premier Cho Jung-tai to remain in office to safeguard critical national missions, including tariff negotiations with the United States, post-typhoon reconstruction, and budgetary matters.
Lai stated that his administration will implement personnel adjustments to improve efficiency and make governance more tangible, while shifting policy priorities to focus on the economy, people's livelihoods, vulnerable groups, and youth. The government aims to increase dialogue between ruling and opposition parties and adjust the fiscal structure to ensure sustainability across generations, strengthen national finances, and secure long-term development.
The recall votes followed a failed attempt to unseat another 24 KMT lawmakers on July 26, backed by civic groups and the DPP. These legislators were elected in January 2024 from opposition strongholds in northern Taiwan. In the 2024 elections, the DPP's Lai won the presidency with 40 percent of the vote, but the party lost its majority in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan. The KMT secured 52 seats, the DPP had 51 seats, and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) won eight seats. The KMT has worked with the TPP to pass bills favored by the opposition, sparking dissent from the ruling party.