Taiwanese Parliament Erupts In Brawl Over Proposed Reforms
Taiwan’s parliament descended into chaos on Friday as lawmakers engaged in a heated dispute over proposed reforms to the legislative chamber. The altercation occurred just days before President-elect Lai Ching-te is set to take office without a majority in parliament.
The fight broke out as lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) sought to push through reforms aimed at increasing parliamentary oversight of the government. One controversial proposal would criminalize officials deemed to have made false statements to parliament.
Lawmakers were seen shoving tackling and throwing punches at one another. Some even leaped over tables and pulled colleagues to the floor. At least one lawmaker had to be taken to the hospital with a head injury after falling during the melee.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from which Lai hails accused the KMT and TPP of trying to force through the reforms without proper consultation and debate. DPP lawmaker Wang Mei-hui called it “an unconstitutional abuse of power.”
However, KMT lawmaker Jessica Chen who was seen wearing a military helmet during the brawl countered that the DPP “does not want this to be passed as they have always been used to monopolizing power.” She argued that the reforms were necessary to enable better legislative oversight of the executive branch.
While Taiwan’s parliament is known for occasional outbursts of violence the latest incident underscores the challenges Lai may face in governing with a minority. The clashes raise concerns about further turmoil and conflict ahead as the new administration takes office.
As Taiwan navigates a precarious relationship with China which views the island as its own territory the political instability comes at a particularly sensitive time. With Lai’s inauguration just days away the brawl in parliament serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and challenges that lie ahead.
