Academics deplore Chen’s decision to remain in power

The organizers of the campaign, who are traditional supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), publicized a second list containing the names of people that gave their signatures to show their support of the anti-Chen campaign.

The academics charged that the leaders of the DPP “appear to have the lost the will to create a new era for the party and Taiwan.”

The scholars released an announcement on July 15 calling on the president to seriously consider resigning. It marked the first time pro-DPP scholars openly showed their disapproval of Chen.

They issued their second statement yesterday afternoon at Ma Chung Ding Memorial Park on the edge of the Hsitian River near Watergate 11 of Youth Park.

Ma Chung Ding Memorial Park used to be where seditionists were executed in the 1950s.

“The president intends to handle the problems of social transition,” the statement noted, “but he has lost the people’s trust, so his handling is very likely to make the issue that requires reflection by the entire society become a political struggle.”

“If the leader of the nation is not trusted by the people, this will affect the legality of national policies and the solution of major issues,” the statement added.

“Many people are worried that the president’s resignation will cause political chaos, but helping President Chen step down and helping resolve the resultant political situation will give an opportunity to the DPP’s leaders to display their ability to lead.

In response to a second statement issued by a group of pro-”pan-green camp” academics claiming that President Chen Shui-bian has lost the public’s confidence, the Presidential Office said that the president will take “concrete” actions to meet people’s expectations.

The Presidential Office’s department of public affairs said the president has “deeply felt” their goodwill and that he will “humbly accept” their suggestions and correct his shortcomings.

Moreover, the department said, the president will “take concrete actions” in the future that will meet the expectations of society.

Vice President Annette Lu said yesterday that she respected everyone’s freedom of speech but expressed the hope that President Chen’s wisdom and judgement would be respected.

Lin Chia-lung, secretary general of the DPP, said that the DPP appreciated criticism and suggestions from the public.

That the scholars offered their comments indicates that they still entertain expectations of the party, said Lin.

The party will open dialogue with those who try to reform Taiwan society, as was exemplified by the proposals for reform that were presented at the party’s national congress, Lin said.

The DPP should humbly examine itself, DPP lawmaker Chen Ching-chun said in reaction to the scholar’s criticism.

President Chen should hold dialogues with the scholars to let them understand the political problems that must be dealt with, added Chen, chief clerical worker of the DPP’s legislative caucus.

The lawmakers urged the scholars to be understanding, stating that the party will consider their suggestions.

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