Public Outcry as Taiwan Parliament Advances Contentious Reforms

In Taipei on May 21, lawmakers engaged in physical jostling, displayed banners, and engaged in heated exchanges on Tuesday over a contentious proposal to expand parliamentary oversight, championed by the opposition. The ruling party expressed dismay, citing lack of consultation on the matter.

The discord arises as Lai Ching-te assumes office as the new president on Monday, confronting not only a resentful China, which perceives him as a “separatist,” but also a fragmented parliament, following the loss of majority by his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Outside parliament, several hundred individuals assembled to oppose the reforms, alleging collusion between the opposition and China in an attempt to undermine democracy. The two primary opposition factions, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), have united to endorse reforms granting parliament increased oversight over the government. This includes a contentious proposal empowering lawmakers to penalize officials found guilty of contempt of parliament through false statements or “withholding information,” a move contested by the DPP due to a perceived lack of clear definition.

Although Friday’s tumultuous scenes of legislators physically clashing were not replicated, DPP lawmakers donning headbands emblazoned with “Democracy has died” pressed for further deliberation on the proposals, expressing frustration towards the KMT.

“In the speaker’s platform today, it’s not the KMT or the TPP. It’s Xi Jinping,” declared DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming, alluding to China’s president. His statement elicited shouts of “Shut up!” from the opposition, some displaying signs advocating for parliamentary reform to foster transparency.

The KMT accused the DPP of propagating misinformation and associating them with the colors of China’s Communist Party to thwart the reforms. “The DPP is inciting populism, and their opposition to reform lacks credibility,” asserted KMT spokesperson Yang Chih-yu.

Nymphia Wind, a Taiwanese drag queen and the victor of this year’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, briefly attended the protest rally to extend support. “I respect parliament, but I hope it operates in a manner worthy of respect and adheres to democratic procedures,” she stated. “As a Taiwanese citizen, I believe we must take a stand.”

Chang Hung-lin, the head of Citizen Congress Watch, a non-governmental organization advocating for public oversight of parliament, cautioned against the current reform proposals. While the group supports efforts to enhance government oversight, Chang highlighted concerns regarding the expansion of lawmakers’ authority without sufficient checks and balances. Some of the current proposals, which advanced to a second reading on Tuesday, grant lawmakers the authority to compel testimony from entities such as defense officials and private companies without adequate safeguards, he noted.