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Taiwan Opposition Opens Impeachment of President Lai and Premier Cho, Sets May 19, 2026 Vote

Lack of a two-thirds majority leaves the move unlikely to succeed.

Overview

  • KMT and TPP lawmakers, joined by two independents, initiated proceedings targeting President William Lai and Premier Cho Jung-tai.
  • The Legislative Yuan approved an impeachment motion 60–51, but removal would require 76 of 113 votes at a May 19, 2026 ballot.
  • The opposition cites the executive’s refusal to enact a legislature-passed amendment shifting more tax revenue to local governments as the basis for alleged constitutional violations.
  • The Presidential Office, through spokeswoman Karen Kuo, said it respects any action that is lawful, constitutional, and procedurally sound.
  • Analysts say the bid is largely symbolic given the vote shortfall and a likely uphill review in the Constitutional Court, whose grand justices were appointed under Tsai Ing-wen in a period of prolonged legislative deadlock.