The scene in Taiwan’s parliament on Friday was one of chaos and conflict as lawmakers engaged in physical altercations over proposed reforms to the chamber. The dispute erupted both outside and inside the legislative chamber, with lawmakers shouting, shoving, and even tackling each other.
The root of the conflict lies in proposed reforms aimed at granting parliament greater scrutiny powers over the government, including controversial measures to criminalize officials making false statements in parliament. The opposition, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), supports these reforms, arguing they would enhance legislative oversight.
However, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opposes the reforms, accusing the opposition of trying to push them through without proper consultation, which they deem unconstitutional. The DPP warns against a scenario where only one voice dominates the country’s discourse.
Lawmakers from all three parties were involved in the altercations, with each side blaming the other for the unrest. Despite the chaos, President-elect Lai Ching-te is set to take office on Monday, but without a legislative majority, signaling potential challenges ahead for his administration.
“The DPP does not want this to be passed as they have always been used to monopolising power,” she told Reuters, wearing a military-style helmet.
Taiwan is a rambunctious democracy and fighting does on occasion take place in parliament. In 2020, KMT lawmakers threw pig guts onto the chamber’s floor in a dispute over easing U.S. pork imports.
The clashes raise the prospect of more turmoil – and parliamentary conflict – ahead for Lai’s new government after it takes office.
“I am worried,” said the DPP’s Wang.
