On May 17, the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reviewed the parliament reform bill proposed by the Blue and White parties, leading to intense clashes between the ruling and opposition parties. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Shen Boyang was pushed off the rostrum by Kuomintang (KMT) legislators and had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. In response to the violence in the parliament, six scholars in Taiwan initiated a petition condemning the use of force in the legislature. Experts questioned why there was a rush to push through the parliament reform bill before the presidential inauguration on May 20.
During the Legislative Yuan meeting on the 17th, the Blue and White parties sought to expedite the three readings of the parliament reform bill, causing dissatisfaction among the Green camp. The provision in the bill that includes criminal liability for contempt of parliament was seen as an expansion of legislative power that infringes upon the constitution, specifically the authority to conduct investigations and questioning during the president’s national address. Due to differing stances between the ruling and opposition parties, DPP legislators attempted to occupy the rostrum around 7 p.m. to halt the session. During the commotion, Shen Boyang, Qiu Zhiwei, and Guo Guowen were pushed off the rostrum by KMT legislators, with Shen Boyang falling in a precarious manner and subsequently being hospitalized at National Taiwan University Hospital.
Shen Boyang took to Facebook on the 18th to express gratitude for the support and concern, mentioning his concussion and dizziness from the incident. Despite not being able to endure until the end, he highlighted the serious nature of the incidents in the Legislature, where opposition parties cut short his speeches and votes immediately upon his appearance. He emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the country amidst the chaos.
Lai Rongwei, the Executive Director of Taiwan Inspiration Association (TIA), questioned the urgency of the Blue and White legislators to rush the three readings of the parliament reform bill before President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20. He questioned the sudden proactive measures by the KMT legislative caucus since their return from a visit to mainland China, implying a suspicious agenda to disrupt Taiwan and offer opportunities for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The proposed reform would not only limit the executive branch’s authority but also create chaos that benefits the CCP’s objectives in destabilizing Taiwan.
Analysis by Lai suggested that in democratic countries, the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches is crucial. Yet, the parliament reform proposed by the Blue and White parties aims to excessively empower the legislative branch, hampering the government’s administrative functions and leading to a cycle of blame-shifting for electoral gain. This political turmoil not only erodes public trust in democracy but also prompts affluent individuals to leave Taiwan, aligning with the CCP’s disruptive motives.
The serious conflict erupted on the 17th in the Legislative Yuan, resulting in six legislators, including DPP’s Shen Boyang, Zhong Jiabin, Qiu Zhiwei, Zhuang Ruixiong, and Guo Guowen, as well as KMT’s Wu Zongxian, being hospitalized due to health concerns.
According to media reports, hundreds of protestors gathered on Qingdao East Road outside the Legislative Yuan in the evening, chanting slogans like “No discussion, no democracy.” Protesters, mostly comprised of young people and students concerned about Taiwan’s democracy, criticized the KMT and Blue parties for their actions, leading to an impromptu assembly.
Representative Luo Yi, speaking on behalf of the protesters, expressed deep sorrow over the distressing scene of Shen Boyang being forcefully pulled from the rostrum by KMT legislators. He criticized the lack of transparency in the session voting and amendment proposals put forth by the KMT and Blue parties, emphasizing the call for a more accountable Legislative Yuan that represents the people’s interests.
The Legislative Yuan session on the 17th lasted until around midnight, with Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu announcing its temporary closure until 9 a.m. on the 21st for further deliberations on pending clauses, including provisions on personnel approval, investigative powers, and contempt of parliament offenses proposed in the bill.