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Taiwan Opposition Launches Impeachment of President Lai and Premier Cho, Sets May 2026 Vote

Short of a two-thirds majority, the opposition advances a protest over a tax‑revenue amendment that analysts expect to stall.

Overview

  • Lawmakers from the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party formally initiated impeachment proceedings on Dec. 26 targeting President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai.
  • An impeachment vote was scheduled for May 19, 2026, but the opposition does not control the two-thirds of seats required for passage.
  • The case centers on the executive’s refusal to implement a legislature-passed amendment reallocating fiscal revenue to city and county governments.
  • The Presidential Office said it respects the move provided it is lawful, constitutional and procedurally sound.
  • Analysts say the effort is unlikely to clear judicial hurdles at the Constitutional Court, noting polarized politics, a divided government, budget standoffs, and a blocked $40 billion defense package.