The Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China continued processing the parliamentary power amendment bills proposed by the Kuomintang (KMT, blue) and the People First Party (PFP, white) today (24th). Early in the morning, civil groups and citizens held protest activities outside the Legislative Yuan. The organizers announced that by 6:40 pm, the number of protesters on-site had reached 50,000.
The Legislative Yuan plans to forcefully pass four bills, including the one proposed by the KMT and PFP regarding the exercise of parliamentary powers. The parliamentary power exercise bill amendment passed its second reading on the 21st. Today, the Legislative Yuan continued examining related bills on parliamentary power amendments. Early in the morning, many Taiwanese citizens braved the rain to gather on Qingdao East Road, holding signs that read “Against Backroom Deals, Demand Democracy” and “No Discussion, No Democracy” to express their demands.
As protests mounted against the proposed amendments, tensions ran high outside the Legislative Yuan. The presence of tens of thousands of citizens underscored the importance of the issue at hand. The proposed amendments have sparked widespread public concern and debate over the potential impact on Taiwan’s democratic processes and transparency in governance.
Critics argue that the proposed changes could undermine the principles of democracy and empower political parties at the expense of public accountability. Advocates for transparency and citizen participation have called for more open discussions and greater public input in the legislative process to ensure that any amendments serve the best interests of the people.
The protests outside the Legislative Yuan reflect the deep-seated concerns among Taiwanese citizens about the direction of their democracy. The engagement of civil society in challenging legislative actions highlights the active role of the public in shaping Taiwan’s political landscape. As the deliberations on the parliamentary power amendments continue, the voices of the people will remain crucial in shaping the outcome and upholding democratic values in Taiwan.
In the face of mounting public pressure and demonstrations, the Legislative Yuan faces a critical juncture in deciding the fate of the proposed amendments. The outcomes of these deliberations will not only shape the future of Taiwan’s governance but also test the resilience of its democratic institutions. The eyes of the nation are watching closely as the legislative process unfolds, underscoring the significance of public engagement and participation in safeguarding Taiwan’s democratic foundations.