Ruling party MP criticises decision to fund expenses for pro-Chen demonstration
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party has come under fire from some members for planning to mass tens of thousands of people on Taipei's streets today in a show of support for scandal-plagued President Chen Shui-bian.
'It is regrettable that the DPP central standing committee has decided to mobilise supporters' to stage the counter protest, DPP stalwart and lawmaker Lin Cho-shui said yesterday.
He was speaking ahead of a mass rally planned today to support President Chen, who is under increasing pressure to step down over corruption allegations tied to himself, his family and government.
The ruling party has decided to help the pro-independence Taiwan Society fund the rally and mobilise supporters to gather in front of the Presidential Office this afternoon. They want to counter protests started by former DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh demanding Mr Chen's resignation for alleged corruption.
According to DPP sources, the party's elected officials have been given the task of mobilising supporters to come to Taipei. Sources say DPP headquarters would subsidise pro-Chen rally organisers to the tune of NT$18,000 (HK$4,260) for each tour bus that is hired to take supporters to Taipei.