Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament has passed a controversial reform bill following days of hostile debates, physical altercations between MPs inside the legislature and mass protests by citizens outside.
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The bill passed with a narrow margin of 58 votes to 45, as reported by Bloomberg. The final reading took place on Tuesday evening, by further scuffles and unruly behavior including ruling party members throwing paper planes and garbage bags at the opposition.
The reform was driven by the two major opposition parties, the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) and the populist Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).
These parties gained a majority in the parliament following gains in January’s elections, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured the presidency with Lai Ching-te inaugurated last Monday.
The ruling DPP announced its intention to reject the bill and send it back for review. Ker Chien-ming, the DPP caucus whip, labeled the bill as “absolutely unconstitutional” and questioned the legality of the voting process.
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the legislative building in Taipei, voicing their dissent against the bill.
The protests which have grown in size and organization are the largest since the 2014 Sunflower Movement. On Friday, crowd estimates ranged between 50,000 and 100,000 people.
The reform expands the legislature’s power to summon and question officials, military figures, and citizens, and to demand documents.
A newly introduced criminal offense of “contempt of congress” has sparked concerns about abuse and suppression of political opponents.
Some argue the bill’s provisions are vague and could undermine free speech with undefined terms like “reverse-questioning”.
The KMT and TPP claim the reforms are necessary for greater accountability and legislative oversight. They argue that the new powers will help combat corruption and enhance checks and balances within the government.
The ruling party accuses the opposition of undermining democratic processes to push the bill through. DPP supporters and legislators believe the reforms aim to weaken President Lai’s administration and disrupt its functioning.
Taiwan already has a branch of government, the Control Yuan tasked with investigating government officials and ordering impeachments.
The Taiwan Bar Association and legal scholars have raised objections to the bill’s constitutionality. There is anticipation of a legal challenge in the constitutional court by the DPP with scholars highlighting potential violations of the Republic of China’s constitution.
The bill, a set of amendments to the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power was passed on Tuesday afternoon following a day of intense debates and physical altercations among lawmakers.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) engaged in scuffles that resulted in torn T-shirts and the throwing of garbage bags.
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KMT lawmakers accused the DPP of being a violent party, while DPP members mocked their opponents with slogans like “Brush your teeth! Your breath stinks!” referring to what they called KMT’s lies about the bill.
The DPP attempted to delay the proceedings by insisting that lawmakers review all 77 articles of the law including those not being amended.
Outside the parliament, over 10,000 protesters gathered echoing sentiments from last week’s large-scale demonstrations reminiscent of the 2014 Sunflower Movement.
Protesters organized through social media platforms like Threads, voiced their opposition peacefully but loudly chanting slogans such as “Even if democracy is dead, we will not stop fighting.”
Organizers distributed white ribbons for people to tie on the railings separating them from the legislature symbolizing their plea for democratic processes.
President Lai acknowledged the protests on social media urging the legislative branch to listen to the public and resume normal operations.
Fines up to NT$200,000 (approximately $6,220) for contempt of legislature which includes failing to appear at hearings, refusing to answer questions, providing false information or failing to submit requested documents.
Requirement for the president to deliver an annual State of the Nation Address and respond to legislators’ questions, a first in Taiwan’s history.
The DPP criticized the bill as unconstitutional and vowed to seek a constitutional review. Ker Chien-ming, the DPP’s legislative caucus leader highlighted potential procedural and substantive violations of the constitution.
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The KMT, along with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) defended the bill as necessary for governmental oversight and anti-corruption measures.
Alexander Huang, a KMT advisor dismissed claims of outside influence, asserting that the law is purely a domestic issue.
Some argue that the law could undermine Taiwan’s democracy, making it vulnerable to Chinese influence. The DPP accused the KMT of aligning with Beijing’s interests, referencing President Xi Jinping’s stance on Taiwan as a breakaway territory.
The passage of the bill comes shortly after President Lai’s inauguration with China labeling him an “independence worker.”
The KMT, which advocates closer ties with China holds a majority in the legislature, facilitating the bill’s passage despite fierce opposition.
The legislation is expected to have immediate impacts on President Lai’s ability to implement his agenda potentially stalling key policies.
There is concern about the potential for sensitive information leaks and measures against those who resist legislative summons.
Protesters expressed a mixture of frustration and determination with signs reading “no discussions, no democracy” and chants urging the protection of democratic processes.
Volunteers played a crucial role providing water, snacks, and hot meals to sustain the demonstrators. The “Blue Bird Action,” named after a road occupied by protesters last week has become a symbol of the movement against the legislative changes.
The opposition parties are perceived as more friendly to Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to use force for unification.
Taiwan faces threats from China including daily military provocations. The Ministry of National Defense reported multiple Chinese warplanes and ships near Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te has expressed support for the protests, addressing the importance of procedural justice in legislative deliberations.
The KMT has announced plans to form a special task force to investigate alleged corruption within the DPP.
Analysts warn that sustained gridlock could undermine Taiwan’s democratic system and stress the need for dialogue and compromise among all political parties.
The newly passed reforms grant lawmakers the power to demand annual reports from the president and to interrogate government officials.
The legislature also gains increased control over government budgets and the ability to investigate government projects.
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