President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, stated that on the 24th, the Legislative Yuan continued to review the amendment of parliamentary powers from day to night, with tens of thousands of fellow citizens demonstrating outside the Legislative Yuan, once again showcasing the power of civil society. He emphasized that the division and balance of state power are crucial, and the fundamental rights of the people must be protected and not arbitrarily violated.
The Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China continued to process the parliamentary powers amendment proposed by the Kuomintang (Blue) and People First Party (White) on the 24th, with a decision by both ruling and opposition parties to extend the meeting until midnight. Outside the Legislative Yuan, civil society groups and citizens held protest activities. The organizers announced that as of 9:33 pm, the number of protesters at the scene had reached 100,000. Civil society groups and citizens across Taiwan initiated a “Disdain for the Parliament” nationwide campaign, in addition to protests held outside the Taipei Legislative Yuan, protests were also held in Taichung, Nantou, Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Hualien, and other places.
Tsai Ing-wen posted on Facebook expressing that besides the crowd waiting outside the Legislative Yuan, citizens from all over the country also gathered to speak out. Everyone shares the same belief that the legislative proceedings of the Legislative Yuan should adhere to procedural justice. When the Legislative Yuan deliberates on bills, different opinions should be fully discussed, rather than continuously forcing through votes by majority rule, thus depriving the Legislative Yuan of proper discussions on bills. It is also believed that state power must be divided and balanced, and more importantly, the basic rights of the people need to be protected and not arbitrarily violated.
Tsai Ing-wen said that civic rational voices and the strength shown by the youth embody Taiwan’s democratic values. The parliament should value these voices, swiftly restore normal operations, and allow the country to continue moving forward. The threats faced by Taiwan have never come from within. Only through unity, unity, and more unity can all challenges be overcome.
“Today, the representatives of eight countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, released a joint statement in Taiwan, voicing support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Health Assembly (WHA). The world acknowledges Taiwan, we have an even greater responsibility to ensure Taiwan moves steadily forward and walks alongside the world,” Tsai Ing-wen said.
Tsai Ing-wen expressed his gratitude to everyone who stood up on the 24th, thanked the Democratic Progressive Party legislators and colleagues for their hard work, and together defended Taiwan’s democratic values. Moving forward, everyone will continue to work hand in hand, united in heart, in every challenge, continuing to voice for democracy tirelessly, and together safeguarding Taiwan.
In addition, in response to the Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen stated on the 24th that he had a video conference with Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, to understand the measures the national army should take. He and the national military were fully informed of the Chinese army’s movements, ensuring the safety of the country and the people, allowing everyone to rest assured.