TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators voiced their support for the “Defend the Nation, Resist the Blue-White Coalition” rally in Kaohsiung during a press conference on Monday.

The rally, organized by former Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs Director Yin Li (尹立) and Taiwan Statebuilding Party Kaohsiung City Councilor Chang Bo-yang (張博洋), is scheduled for Jan. 23 at Sanmin Park at 6:30 p.m. Organizers aim to mobilize public support to safeguard Taiwan’s democratic constitution and national development.

Blue and white refer to the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), respectively.

DPP legislator Li Bo-yi (李柏毅) said Taiwanese people will rise against what he described as “malicious amendments, arbitrary budget cuts, and actions by KMT and TPP legislators that undermine democracy,” CNA reported.

Li Kun-tse (李昆澤) accused the opposition coalition of trampling on democracy and constitutional governance. He argued that their proposed budget cuts could paralyze government operations.

Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) expressed hope that the protest would inspire Taiwanese citizens to protect their homeland and recognize what she called the absurdity of the coalition’s actions.

Huang Jie (黃捷) criticized the coalition, claiming it has harmed the public rather than safeguarding the nation over the past year. She said that with the Legislative Yuan now paralyzed, the people must step in to “restart” the government.

Three additional legislators echoed similar sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the opposition’s actions.