In 2018, Han Kuo-yu was elected the Mayor of Kaohsiung with 892,545 votes. In less than two years time, youngsters of the anti-Han camp called out a higher number of votes (939,090) and successfully ousted the mayor of a special municipality. It is the first time that has ever happened in Taiwan democratic history. People are amazed by Taiwanese’s efficiency and involvement in politics.

There are of course many reasons for Han's recall: First, he ran for president soon after he assumed office as Mayor, meaning that he lacked commitment and political agenda. Second, he repeatedly chanted his “Get Rich” slogan in response to city constituency members’ inquiries, and was then being labeled as “idiotic.” Third, he failed to keep his promise on those eye-catching policies he proposed(oil drilling, the Love Ferris wheel, Formula One racing, Kaohsiung Disneyland…). And he never apologized. He claimed that his recall to be a conspiracy, asserting that the 1.3 million citizens who did not vote actually supported him. It is only reasonable for a person who is hopelessly toxic like him to be recalled.

But if we take a step back to look at the big picture of history, maybe then we will discover that Han’s recall is indeed part of a bigger social change. It seems coincidental, but is indeed inevitable in history. For the convenience of discussion, let’s call this change the discovery and confirmation of “new youth politics.”

After WWII, it can be seen in all democratic countries that a wave of new youth political movements arises every few generations. Although each was driven by unique social and economic factors, the disparity in “world-views” (the future and their priorities) between generations was commonly found. In the 60s, the U.S. student movements for Black rights, free speech and anti-war views flourished in various subcultures, reflecting young rebels’ pursuit of self-worth and meaning. Despite the differences in political ideologies, the spirit was similar to those in the “May 68” movement in France and the Anpo Protest in Japan.

In Taiwan, the youth have not been prominent in political movements. Although the Wild Lily Movement matched the time with the re-election of the National Assembly, and many social movements were aided by university student connections, the youth did not form a recognizable key force in the presidential election.

In the 2018 Kaosiung mayoral election, Han Kuo-yu defeated Chen Chi-mai of the Democratic Progressive Party(DPP). Han gained much popularity, leading the Kuomintang (KMT) to win the overall election. Looking back, Han’s online campaigns might have been suspicious. But it is admittedly that the DDP deteriorated into gerontocracy as seen in their abstract and routine style of governing. It has given a Han a golden opportunity to attract young voters who wanted change.

However, it was ironic that Han revealed his gerontocratic side once he was elected. Meanwhile, President Tsai had drawn closer to young people with the same-sex marriage bill. Adding on the generational confrontation sparked by the Anti-Extradition Movement in Hong Kong, Han’s reputation plummeted to the place of no return.

The “new youth politics” consists of several notions. First, it advocates certain virtues, most young people despise hypocrisy or patriarchal undertones in politicians. Second, young people are highly sensitive to bio-politics, they hope that everyone can have the right to be themselves, regardless of skin color, race and gender identity. Besides, they are highly sensitive to symbolism and have strong aesthetic preferences, favoring modernism over the seemingly colorful yet empty “Taiwan aesthetics”.

Therefore, when youngsters rose against Han, their means of advocacy were unsurprisingly inventive (such as pressure washing the floor or projection on buildings). The creativity and subtle irony were important in the politicization of young people, just like the combination of umbrellas and gas masks seen in the Hong Kong movement.

New youth politics is now influential around the world. The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was only 36 when the Labour Party she led won the 2017 general election. Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin was only 34 when she became the youngest state leader. President of France Emmanuel Macron stood out for his age (then 39) and the imaginative new party he created, "The Republic Forward!" (La République En Marche!).

The politicization of Taiwanese youths started after the Death of Hung Chung-chiu and the 318 Student Movement. Through the Internet and social media, they formed a massive force that carried Han Kuo-yu briefly before throwing him to the ground. Nonetheless, the ruling DPP did not fully accept this trend after they won. The inauguration of a doddering cabinet on May 20 brought future worries. Fortunately, the beauty of democracy is that there is always a chance to restore orders. This is the unique, though bitter, gift Taiwan was given among the greater Chinese society.

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