Taipei: Taiwan's opposition parties marked National Day by accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of exploiting political power to deepen social divisions and weaken democratic institutions by staging nationwide recall campaigns targeting opposition lawmakers.

According to Focus Taiwan, Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang both criticized President Lai Ching-te's administration at separate National Day events in Taipei. They accused the government of prioritizing partisan interests over national unity.

Speaking at the KMT's flag-raising ceremony, Chu described the wave of recall campaigns against opposition lawmakers as "the biggest crisis in Taiwan's democratic history," accusing the DPP of abusing state mechanisms. He also highlighted economic challenges, urging the government to ensure industries like semiconductors remain based in Taiwan for long-term competitiveness.

Chu addressed cross-strait issues, asserting that Taiwan's future should not rely solely on Washington or Beijing. He emphasized the need for self-reliance and supported strengthening national defense while maintaining stable exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

At the Presidential Office's official National Day event, Huang criticized the DPP's governance over the past year for deepening mistrust and distracting from domestic issues. He urged President Lai to "heal the wounds of partisan conflict" and restore public trust.

Huang also highlighted internal and external pressures facing Taiwan, including high U.S. tariffs and an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The TPP's statement urged Lai to end "the toxic culture of online attacks, disinformation, and judicial weaponization," and to lead efforts in rebuilding democracy and social cohesion.