In a democratic parliamentary system, it is quite common to see how political differences spill over into heated debates in parliament. After all, when the future of a nation is at stake, such arguments are the hallmark of a healthy, functioning democracy. But what happens when a parliamentarian decides to take matters into his own hands? When a legislator goes beyond the usual means of protest and seeks to prevent the passage of a bill through more decisive, even dramatic, measures.
On May 17, 2024, Taiwan’s parliament descended into chaos when Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Kuo Kuo-Wen grabbed the bill and fled the scene to prevent her from passing. The brazen act reportedly came amid a chaotic tussle between lawmakers as they clashed over controversial reforms that include criminalizing officials who make false statements in parliament and strengthening the legislature’s investigative and enforcement powers. The development came before President-elect Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was due to take office on Monday.
Image credit: Screenshot from a video posted on X/@CensoredMen
The video, shared by user X “CensoredMen,” has since garnered more than 18 million views, prompting mixed reactions. Some commentators found the situation whimsical or even humorous, while others expressed deep concern, calling it a disturbing reflection of the state of governance.
In January elections, the opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TNP), won a majority in the legislature, giving them significant power in Taiwan’s policymaking. However, in the May presidential election, they lost to DPP candidate William Lai Ching-te. To assert their dominance and undermine the country’s president, the KMT and TPP have quickly pushed through a series of controversial bills that are seen by critics and legal experts as a way to bring Taiwan closer to China.
Image credit: Reuters
Financial newspaper Nikkei Asia reported that the Taiwan Bar Association issued a statement condemning opposition parties that they believe are “undermining (d) Taiwan’s democratic foundations.” The four bills were put to a plenary vote without debate or consideration in the Legislative Yuan.
Despite intense protests both inside and outside parliament, the four bills were eventually passed with the support of a majority of the KMT and TPP in the Legislative Yuan. Several media experts found the changes controversial as well as favorable to China.
What is the history between China and Taiwan?
The tension between the two stems from a long-standing dispute over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China views Taiwan as a self-governing province that should eventually be reunited with the mainland, while Taiwan considers itself a self-governing democracy with its own political and economic systems. Because of China’s global status, most countries shy away from recognizing Taiwan as a separate state. Today, only 12 countries recognize sovereign Taiwan as separate from China.
