Everything You Need to Know About Taiwan’s Legislative Clashes and Democratic Debate

On December 20, 2024, a chaotic altercation erupted in Taiwan’s legislature as lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) clashed with members of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). This confrontation was sparked by a series of contentious bills proposed by the KMT that the DPP argues could undermine Taiwan’s democratic system.

The situation escalated when DPP lawmakers occupied the speaker’s podium overnight, barricading themselves inside the parliament by stacking chairs and removing windows to prevent access. This occupation was a direct response to three bills that the KMT sought to push through, which critics claim could severely restrict the powers of the Constitutional Court, complicate the public recall process for elected officials, and alter tax revenue distribution to favor local governments.

As KMT members attempted to regain control of the chamber, physical confrontations ensued. Lawmakers tackled each other and hurled water from plastic bottles, leading to injuries among some participants. The DPP’s actions were characterized as extreme but necessary in light of their concerns about potential threats to democracy. They accused the KMT of attempting to establish a “parliamentary dictatorship” by forcefully passing these amendments without sufficient consensus.

Outside the legislature, thousands of DPP supporters gathered to protest against the proposed amendments, voicing their fears that these changes would erode democratic checks and balances in Taiwan. The protests included chants calling for the rejection of what they termed “evil amendments,” reflecting widespread public discontent with the legislative actions being pursued by the KMT and its allies.

Here are the specific contents of these bills:

1. Amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act:

The proposed amendment aims to raise the threshold required for recalling an elected official. Notably, it introduces a provision stating that a recall vote must receive more votes than the official received when they were elected. This change is intended to prevent what the KMT describes as “abuse” of the recall power, but critics, particularly from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), argue that it effectively diminishes voters’ rights to remove unfit officials.

2. Amendments to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act:

One of the key changes proposed is to set a quorum of ten justices for presiding over cases in the Constitutional Court, regardless of how many justices are currently sitting or if any have recused themselves. Currently, there are only eight justices on the court, with seven vacancies pending confirmation. The KMT argues that this amendment would ensure broader consensus and prevent biased rulings; however, opponents contend it could paralyze the court’s ability to function effectively.

3. Amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures:

This amendment proposes a significant shift in how tax revenues are allocated, increasing the share going to local governments while decreasing what is retained by the central government. The KMT claims this will provide local governments with more stable funding to meet public needs. However, critics warn that it could jeopardize essential funding for national programs and services, including defense and security.

The situation regarding the contentious bills in Taiwan’s legislature remains unresolved as of December 22, 2024. The Legislative Yuan has not yet reached a consensus on the three bills that sparked significant altercations among lawmakers.

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Current Status of the Bills

The KMT has been pushing for these bills, which include amendments to raise thresholds for recalling elected officials, limit the Constitutional Court’s ability to rule on cases, and redistribute tax revenues to favor local governments. As of now, one of the bills aimed at tightening recall procedures has already passed, while discussions on the remaining two bills are ongoing. The DPP continues to oppose these measures, arguing they threaten Taiwan’s democratic framework.

Attempts at negotiations have failed to bridge the divide between the DPP and KMT. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has called for further discussions, but little consensus has emerged regarding the amendments’ implications or their legal standing if passed.

A significant factor complicating this situation is the pending confirmation of new justices to the Constitutional Court. Currently, there are vacancies that leave the court understaffed, which raises concerns about its ability to function effectively if the proposed amendments are enacted without sufficient judicial oversight. The Legislative Yuan is expected to vote on nominations for new justices on December 24, 2024.

Protests continue outside the legislature as thousands of DPP supporters rally against the proposed amendments. This public outcry reflects widespread concern over potential erosions of democratic rights and judicial independence in Taiwan. The ongoing debates and potential votes on these bills will likely dominate upcoming legislative sessions. The DPP remains committed to blocking any further progress on these amendments, emphasizing their belief that such changes would fundamentally undermine democratic processes in Taiwan.

While one bill has passed, significant contention remains surrounding the other two, with further legislative action anticipated following the confirmation of new justices to the Constitutional Court. The political scenario in Taiwan continues to be charged as both parties prepare for what could be a important moment in shaping Taiwan’s democratic future.