Mass rally planned to unseat Chen Shui-bian
(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-12 13:52
TAIPEI -- A former chairman of Taiwan's ruling party on Saturday called for a
million Taiwanese to donate 100 New Taiwan dollars (US$3; euro2.4) each to fund
a campaign demanding that "president" Chen Shui-bian resign because of
corruption scandals surrounding his family.
Shih Ming-teh, former
Chairman of Taiwan's ruling party (DPP), makes a speech during a rally
asking President Chen Shui-bian to step down in Taipei, August 12, 2006.
The words on the banner reads "Topple Bian".
[Reuters] | Shih Ming-teh, a veteran
human rights activist and former chairman of Chen's Democratic Progressive
Party, launched his anti-Chen campaign in front of dozens of academics, doctors
and arts personalities at a Taipei park.
He said the money would fund
protests, including a mass sit-in next month.
"The continuous corruption
cases are forcing the people of Taiwan to stand up and expect Chen to resign,"
Shih said.
Chen, who was swept to power in 2000 on the back of an
anti-corruption manifesto, has refused to step down and described street
protests calling for his ouster as a "regression of democracy."
On
Saturday, he said those who want him out should follow constitutional
procedures.
"The Constitution clearly says how the people can treat the
president when he isn't doing things right," Chen said in a speech at a party
school.
Opposition-led calls for his resignation have gathered pace
since Chen's son-in-law was indicted on insider trading charges. Last month,
dozens of prominent academics who once supported the president called for his
resignation.
Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that his
wife profited from the transfer of an upscale Taipei department store to new
owners.
Opposition lawmakers recently alleged that Chen's office
embezzled secret funds, and that the salary of his son-in-law's maid was paid
with public money.
Chen and his relatives have denied personal
involvement in the scandals.
An attempt by the legislature to recall Chen
derailed in July because the opposition failed to muster enough votes.
Chen and Shih were once allies. Chen served as an attorney for human
rights activists before winning the 2000 presidential election, ending more than
five decades of Nationalist rule.
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