Tensions escalated as the Legislature attempted to advance three controversial bills adding amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, Constitutional Court Procedure Act, and Act Governing Revenues and Expenditures. On Thursday evening and Friday morning, protesters broke into the chamber, seizing the podium as clashes erupted between KMT and DPP lawmakers.
Amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act propose stricter requirements for recall petitions, inspired by the recall of Keelung Mayor and KMT member Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑). KMT legislators suggested adding ID photocopies and issuance dates for petitions, raising barriers. While the TPP supports stricter thresholds, it opposes requirements exceeding original election vote counts.
Regarding the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) proposed requiring two-thirds of the currently 15-member Constitutional Court justices to approve rulings, following contentious death penalty decisions earlier this year. The DPP criticized the move, warning it could paralyze the court and limit citizens' access to justice.
A November 6 review of the Act Governing Revenues and Expenditures allocated NT$661.2 billion (US$20.6 billion) to local governments, leaving only NT$115.7 billion (US$3.6 billion) for central government use. Critics argue this undermines fiscal autonomy.
The KMT bypassed committee debates to fast-track the bills, sending them directly to the legislative session. Legislature President and KMT member Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) convened cross-party negotiations, but no agreement was reached. For nearly two weeks, these contentious amendments have dominated legislative discussions.