TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) may resume his series of "unity addresses" on Saturday with a potential closed-door event in Hualien to energize recall efforts against KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁).

Lai had previously announced a plan to deliver 10 addresses focused on Taiwan’s past, present and future. While intended to promote national cohesion, the events have faced strong criticism from opposition parties, with some accusing the president of using them to support ongoing recall campaigns targeting KMT legislators, per Tai Sounds.

A DPP insider told UDN that reactions toward Lai’s addresses within the party have been mixed. The insider said many members feel the stated goal of fostering unity does not align with the role it appears to have in aiding recall efforts.

DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢) acknowledged the tension, saying that while the addresses are not officially part of the recall campaign, they do intersect with it, per Newtalk. When asked whether the events would continue, Wu said he had not received relevant information.

Wu emphasized that Lai’s focus remains on addressing key national challenges. Asked whether Lai’s aides had advised pausing the addresses, Wu said both the president and his team believe that by squarely addressing Taiwan’s problems, they leave little room for political maneuvering by the KMT or the TPP.

Chen Shih-min (陳世民), an associate professor of political science at National Taiwan University, said Saturday that while the president’s intentions may be sincere, the speeches have provided the opposition with political ammunition, per Tai Sounds. He argued that Lai’s missteps have allowed opponents to gain momentum and warned the KMT could energize its base by stoking anti-DPP sentiment.