TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) on Monday distanced himself from a recall proposal introduced by KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲).

Weng’s proposal would amend the Public Officials Election and Recall Act to prevent groups from initiating recall efforts if the targeted officials have not completed a year in office, per ETtoday. She previously proposed changes to Taiwan’s Supreme Court, advocating for a higher threshold for court rulings.

Chu clarified that Weng’s position is her personal opinion and emphasized that the KMT’s focus remains on issues concerning people’s livelihoods, per UpMedia. Weng defended her proposal, arguing that allowing recall efforts before the one-year mark creates a potential loophole in the system.

DPP member and lawyer Huang Ti-ying (黃帝穎) said Weng’s proposal contradicts a past Taiwan High Court ruling, per UDN. The court ruled that while elected officials cannot be recalled before serving one year, the right to propose a recall is protected as an expression of free speech under the Constitution.

Chu also addressed the recent wave of recall efforts, per UDN. DPP Caucus Leader Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) revealed that he had been in discussions with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) before the recall efforts began. Ker hinted that Lai may take a public leadership role in the movement.

Chu criticized Lai and the DPP, accusing them of orchestrating recall campaigns so soon after last year’s general election.