Taiwan's unprecedented presidential recall vote yesterday failed to achieve the majority required to pass. Although the motion came to naught, it should serve as a lesson and reminder for President Chen Shui-bian (
Meanwhile, the pan-blue camp is stubbornly clinging to its opposition to Chen. Although the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) seems to be veering toward a more moderate stance, it continues to mull over the next step in seeking Chen's ouster. The People First Party (PFP) -- as hardline as ever -- intends to dissolve the Cabinet or launch another recall motion. A second recall motion, however, is doomed to fail like the first. The pan-blue camp could still seek to topple the Cabinet, but doing so would be like opening a Pandora's box.
Under the Constitution, the pan-blue camp can initiate a no-confidence vote against the premier. However, they face a strategic obstacle in moving against the recently appointed Su Tseng-chang (
In the unlikely event that a no-confidence vote passes, the president will likely respond by dissolving the legislature. With the implementation of the new constitutional amendments for single-member districts, many incumbent lawmakers would therefore run the risk of finding themselves out of a job. Moreover, the redrawing of electoral boundaries must be completed six months prior to an election. As this process has not yet been completed, holding snap elections could spark a political crisis, undermining the rule of law.
The new "single district, two vote" electoral system will work to the advantage of big parties like the KMT. As for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), it is still reeling from recent setbacks. Meanwhile, the PFP and the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) are likely to shrink further.
If the pan-blues were to successfully topple the Cabinet, Chen would have to nominate a new premier. If he appoints a DPP or an independent political heavyweight, the opposition could launch another attempt to bring down the government, and another year would be devoured by political infighting. On the other hand, if Chen were to nominate a pan-blue candidate, this could deepen divisions within the pan-blue camp. These scenarios spell out only more conflict and confusion.
While a simple majority is required for a vote of no confidence against the Cabinet to succeed, this option presents many problems. The consequences may be hard to predict but it is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Once this takes place, it will be difficult to apportion blame. But one thing is certain, it will be the people who will pay the ultimate price.
The recall bid has highlighted that Chen's performance has not been up to par. He has paid a heavy price, and the opposition should now show restraint and discipline as it has made its point. It is time to call for an end to hostilities if Taiwan is to escape from this political quagmire. Ma's decision not to entertain further discussions on toppling the Cabinet is a step in the right direction. It is more important, however, that he holds true to his promises rather than dancing to the tune of the hawkish faction within his party or the waning PFP.
There is much evidence that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is sending soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — and is learning lessons for a future war against Taiwan. Until now, the CCP has claimed that they have not sent PLA personnel to support Russian aggression. On 18 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinskiy announced that the CCP is supplying war supplies such as gunpowder, artillery, and weapons subcomponents to Russia. When Zelinskiy announced on 9 April that the Ukrainian Army had captured two Chinese nationals fighting with Russians on the front line with details
On a quiet lane in Taipei’s central Daan District (大安), an otherwise unremarkable high-rise is marked by a police guard and a tawdry A4 printout from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating an “embassy area.” Keen observers would see the emblem of the Holy See, one of Taiwan’s 12 so-called “diplomatic allies.” Unlike Taipei’s other embassies and quasi-consulates, no national flag flies there, nor is there a plaque indicating what country’s embassy this is. Visitors hoping to sign a condolence book for the late Pope Francis would instead have to visit the Italian Trade Office, adjacent to Taipei 101. The death of
By now, most of Taiwan has heard Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s (蔣萬安) threats to initiate a vote of no confidence against the Cabinet. His rationale is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government’s investigation into alleged signature forgery in the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) recall campaign constitutes “political persecution.” I sincerely hope he goes through with it. The opposition currently holds a majority in the Legislative Yuan, so the initiation of a no-confidence motion and its passage should be entirely within reach. If Chiang truly believes that the government is overreaching, abusing its power and targeting political opponents — then
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), joined by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), held a protest on Saturday on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. They were essentially standing for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is anxious about the mass recall campaign against KMT legislators. President William Lai (賴清德) said that if the opposition parties truly wanted to fight dictatorship, they should do so in Tiananmen Square — and at the very least, refrain from groveling to Chinese officials during their visits to China, alluding to meetings between KMT members and Chinese authorities. Now that China has been defined as a foreign hostile force,
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