Protesters Call for President of Taiwan to Step Down

About 20,000 Taiwan opposition supporters rallied in the capital Saturday to increase pressure on President Chen Shui-bian to resign over a deepening financial scandal involving his family members.

The protest was part of an opposition campaign for a referendum to oust Chen, whose term ends in 2008. A referendum requires approval of two-thirds of the legislature, which is considered unlikely. But the opposition is pushing ahead in the hopes of pressuring the president to step down.

The legislature plans Monday to discuss a return from summer recess to begin the procedure for a recall vote.

The turmoil revolves around Chen’s son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, who was detained last month on suspicion of insider trading, a charge he has denied.

Opposition lawmakers have also accused first lady Wu Shu-chen of involvement in illicit business deals and of soliciting favors from business people. The presidential office denies those charges.

Although Chen has not been personally implicated in any wrongdoing, opposition leaders say he has lost the dignity to function as leader.

“If a president isn’t fit to rule, you can recall him. He doesn’t have to commit a criminal act,” said Ma Ying-jeou, leader of the opposition Nationalist Party.

Chen, touring the southern region of Chiayi to inspect damage from flooding and landslides, did not speak to reporters.

The outcome of the political strife could affect cross-strait relations. Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has threatened force if the island moves toward formal independence, sees Chen as a radical independence supporter.

A new poll found that 53% of respondents thought Chen should resign.