Taipei: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is set to commence a speaking tour on Sunday, delivering 10 public speeches across cities and counties, as announced by the Presidential Office. The initiative, clarified on Saturday, is not aimed at campaigning for recall initiatives against opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers.

According to Focus Taiwan, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo stated at a Taipei news conference that Lai’s tour aims to address government responses to geopolitical challenges and authoritarian threats. The first speech will occur in New Taipei, hosted by Rotary International’s District 3490, encompassing New Taipei, Keelung City, Yilan, and Hualien counties.

Kuo withheld details on subsequent talks, noting they would cover topics like Taiwan’s constitutional system, diplomatic and defense strategies, economic growth, democratic resilience, and cross-strait relations. Broader themes of nationhood, unity, peace, and prosperity were mentioned without specific messaging.

Kuo refuted claims that the tour, announced shortly after the Central Election Commission set July 26 for public votes on 24 KMT lawmakers, is tied to recall campaigns. In February, DPP legislative caucus whip Ker Chien-ming hinted at Lai’s involvement in the recall effort, but Lai has not publicly endorsed the movement.

On Saturday, Kuo emphasized that recall proposals were initiated by civil society, asserting that any implication of authority over them disrespects legal rights to recall officials. KMT Chairman Eric Chu accused the DPP of attempting to undermine opposition through recalls, as he expressed support for KMT lawmaker Lee Yen-hsiu in Taipei. Other lawmakers facing votes include Fu Kun-chi, Wang Hung-wei, and Hsu Chiao-hsin.