TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former president of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), gave his first formal public address in 17 years on Saturday to discuss the country's democratic transformation. 

Chen spoke in Taipei at the invitation of the Ketagalan Foundation, where he discussed the nation’s democratic challenges and the resilience of civil society. While answering questions from the crowd, Chen expressed criticism of the current political landscape in Taiwan, CNA reported. 

As the DPP legislative caucus pursues a campaign of mass recalls targeting KMT legislators, some KMT leaders have called for a vote of no confidence in Lai's Cabinet. Chen said that the government and opposition should pursue negotiations rather than try to remove one another from their positions. 

Given the current situation, where the KMT opposition’s power in the legislature outweighs the power of the governing DPP caucus, Chen said it is incumbent on the Lai administration to make concessions to negotiate effectively with the KMT. Chen, a member of the DPP, drew significant criticism from members of the pan-green camp for his statements, per UDN. 

Chen emphasized that in a democracy, people should respect differing opinions and tolerate minority voices. He cautioned against autocratic rule and against using labels to denigrate or stigmatize opposing parties and individuals. 

Chen quipped during his speech that he was more nervous addressing the public on Saturday than he ever was during his time as president, per CNA. He also joked that it may be the last time he would be invited to speak in public.