Things have changed. The historic transition of power had gone smoothly. Taiwan was proclaiming its political maturity. Even big business, content with the KMT's pro-industry policies, welcomed Chen. Yet a spate of recent Chen moves has shaken such fragile approval.
Business smells an anti-business agenda.
The economy has stumbled badly in recent months. Citing environmental concerns, the Chen administration also has scrapped electricity projects designed to fuel industry and exports. In coming weeks the KMT, People's First Party and New Party plan to unite in the legislature to table a vote of no-confidence in the government or to seek Chen's impeachment. They have the numbers. In the process, he bypassed the KMT-dominated legislature, which had approved the plant.