Legislative Showdown in Taiwan: Here’s what happened!
- 17 hari lalu
In case you missed it, here’s what happened in Taiwan on Saturday when Parliamentarians descended into chaos over a series of reform bills. Among the points of contention were:
1. The president must give a speech in parliament every year and answer questions right away: Currently, the president gives a speech but doesn't have to answer questions until later. The new law would change this.
2. Allowing parliament to investigate anyone, even private citizens: The proposed law would let parliament set up special committees to investigate any person or organisation, even those not in the government. It would also punish people who refuse to cooperate or lie during these investigations.
3. Criminalisation of false statements in parliament: Another part of the law would make it a crime for government officials to lie or provide false information during parliamentary sessions. They could face penalties if found guilty.
These suggested changes sparked a heated debate between the ruling party (Democratic Progressive Party) and the opposition parties (Kuomintang and Taiwan’s People’s Party). They fought over who should have more control - the president and the government, or the parliament.
1. The president must give a speech in parliament every year and answer questions right away: Currently, the president gives a speech but doesn't have to answer questions until later. The new law would change this.
2. Allowing parliament to investigate anyone, even private citizens: The proposed law would let parliament set up special committees to investigate any person or organisation, even those not in the government. It would also punish people who refuse to cooperate or lie during these investigations.
3. Criminalisation of false statements in parliament: Another part of the law would make it a crime for government officials to lie or provide false information during parliamentary sessions. They could face penalties if found guilty.
These suggested changes sparked a heated debate between the ruling party (Democratic Progressive Party) and the opposition parties (Kuomintang and Taiwan’s People’s Party). They fought over who should have more control - the president and the government, or the parliament.