What is the most frightening part of Taiwan’s “Expansion of Power Law”?

Hello everyone, welcome to the Five-person News. Today’s co-hosts are Tang Hao, Fuyao, Qin Peng, Jinshi, and myself, Yuting. Our diverse viewpoints and perspectives will guide you through the rich world of news. Feel free to subscribe to and like our independent channel.

Today’s focus: What is the most frightening aspect of Taiwan’s “Expansion of Powers Act”? Xi, the leader of the party, has issued instructions revealing that the battleground is in the Taiwan Legislative Yuan. The battle for expanded powers intensifies, with thousands protesting Taiwan’s version of the “National Security Law.” The shadow of the Chinese Communist Party looms large, but whose interests does the expansion of powers serve? Adorable scene! Lai Xiao takes office and dances a cute dance.

This week, Lai Ching-te, the 16th President of the Republic of China, finally took his oath of office. The discussions surrounding this event are still ongoing. One particularly interesting point is that during the presidential inauguration ceremony, the President and Vice President sang and danced together, appearing very happy. The atmosphere was light-hearted and cheerful.

Q1: However, it raises curiosity as to why Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Mei-chin were dancing so joyfully. It seems different from our usual impression of political figures, doesn’t it?

Answers provided by Fuyao and Jinshi.

Q2: While President Lai Ching-te has assumed office, the new government faces challenges. Apart from cross-strait relations, the internal disputes within the Taiwan Legislative Yuan have become a focus, resembling a martial arts film with legislators getting physical. The proposal for “Parliamentary Expansion” by the blue and white camps has sparked protests, with over 30,000 people demonstrating outside the Legislative Yuan with banners saying “Reject backroom deals” and “No discussion, no democracy.”

How do you view the current parliamentary deadlock in Taiwan that has ignited such controversy?

Answers provided by Fuyao – Procedural justice; Qin Peng – Constitutional system

Protesters oppose the expansion of powers and backroom deals. They believe that the majority party alliance in the Legislative Yuan, under the guise of parliamentary reform, is undermining the constitutional system. Scholars from various universities and international experts, including two former AIT directors, argue that such actions violate Taiwan’s unique constitutional framework and legislative spirit.

Professor Cai Rongxiang from National Chung Cheng University even states that a parliament controlled by the majority party has become a Leviathan, protruding into executive, legislative, judicial, oversight, and even leaking national or diplomatic secrets.

1. Usurpation of executive power, leading to fiscal and economic crises.

The proposal for the construction of an island-wide high-speed rail and a highway in eastern Taiwan at the cost of NT$2 trillion was presented. However, the design of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan’s power is based on the tradition of the UK Parliament and does not grant authority to allocate or increase the budget like the US Congress. According to Article 70 of the ROC Constitution, the Legislative Yuan can only reduce the budget proposed by the Executive Yuan, not increase expenditures. If this were to happen, Taiwan would be financially drained.

2. Demanding presidential interrogations might create the world’s biggest joke.

Attempting to mandate the President to present an annual national briefing during legislative sessions raises questions. However, in a semi-presidential system like Taiwan’s, the President represents the nation, whereas lawmakers represent the interests of localities. The President shouldn’t be subjected to instant questioning by lawmakers. Even in the US, the President isn’t obligated to accept parliamentary inquiries.

3. The Kuomintang and the People’s Party proposed contempt for Parliament charges, which, through a second reading amendment, stipulates a prohibition on “counter-interrogation.” However, the definition of counter-interrogation violates the principle of legal clarity and becomes a highly uncertain legal concept. It implies that going against a legislator’s opinion or engaging in a heated debate constitutes counter-interrogation.

4. Interference with executive and judicial authority: Officials, soldiers, businesses, and individuals can be arbitrarily investigated and must provide all classified documents. Previously, officials and soldiers had the right to withhold confidential information, but now they must provide it and cannot counter-question. Otherwise, five legislators can charge you with contempt of Parliament, subjecting you to fines, thereby eroding judicial, foreign affairs, and military powers.

Furthermore, the legislation permits the retrieval of copies of evidence related to ongoing investigations, transforming legislators into prosecutors and judges and interfering with judicial independence.

5. If officials refuse to provide information, they will be reported to the Supervisory Yuan. Such provisions effectively sideline supervisory powers.

Q3: Some suspect that the Chinese Communist Party is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Q4: If the blue and white parties expand their powers in this manner, will they gradually seize power if they come to govern in the future?

Q5: Many are concerned whether Taiwan will witness another “Sunflower Movement,” potentially leading to another occupation of the Legislative Yuan.

Q6: Mainland Chinese netizens are interested in why there are frequent physical clashes in the Taiwan Legislative Yuan. According to Chinese Communist Party propaganda, their system is the most stable. What is your perspective on this statement?