The Legislative Yuan of Taiwan continued to review bills related to parliamentary reform and legislative powers on May 28. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus and the People’s Party caucus successfully took over the podium in the chamber after it was opened. KMT and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators hung banners and slogans all over the chamber. DPP legislators wore black clothes and demanded the bills be sent back for further review through roll-call voting, repeated voting, and other means. Civic groups also called for a “Blue-White Parliament Reform Bill” to be sent back to committee for review.
This protest, known as the “528 National Youth Bluebird Action,” was launched simultaneously in 15 counties and cities across Taiwan. The main stage in Taipei was relocated to Jinnan Road, with the second stage on Qingdao East Road. Despite unfavorable weather in Taipei in the morning, many people still gathered outside the Legislative Yuan with homemade banners to express their demands.
The protest activities aimed to voice opposition to the secretive review of the bills and demand transparent legislative procedures. Participants expressed concerns over the impact of the proposed reforms on the functioning and independence of the parliament.
The mobilization of citizens and the display of public dissatisfaction with the legislative process underscored the importance of public participation in shaping the future of Taiwan’s democracy. The diverse forms of protest and advocacy reflected the deep-seated concerns of various groups regarding the direction of legislative reforms.
The involvement of civic organizations in coordinating the protests highlighted the role of civil society in holding the government and lawmakers accountable. Calls for greater transparency and accountability in the legislative process resonated with the broader public, indicating a growing demand for reforms that enhance democratic governance and protect the interests of the people.
By taking to the streets and engaging in peaceful demonstrations, Taiwanese citizens demonstrated their commitment to upholding democratic values and principles. The active participation of individuals from different backgrounds and regions reaffirmed the aspiration for a more inclusive and responsive political system.
The collective action taken by citizens and civil society organizations reflects a shared commitment to upholding democratic norms and ensuring that public interests are safeguarded. As the protests continue and public pressure mounts, lawmakers are facing increasing scrutiny and accountability for their decisions, signaling a potential shift towards a more open and accountable legislative process.