Taiwan Lawmakers Clash Over Bills Seen as Threat to Democracy

Opposition-led proposals to alter court powers and recall rules spark protests and physical confrontations in Taiwan's legislature.

Members of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) barricaded themselves in the legislature to block votes on three controversial bills pushed by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party.
The proposed bills include changes that would raise the threshold for recalling elected officials, redistribute tax revenues to local governments, and potentially limit the Constitutional Court's ability to strike down legislation.
Physical altercations broke out as KMT lawmakers forced their way into the chamber, dismantling barricades and clashing with DPP members, leading to injuries among lawmakers.
Thousands of DPP supporters protested outside the legislature, accusing the KMT and its allies of undermining Taiwan's democratic systems and consolidating power.
The KMT, which holds a narrow legislative majority through a coalition, argues the reforms are necessary to prevent abuse of recall powers and improve governance, while critics warn of lasting damage to Taiwan's democracy.