Tsai told reporters she was concerned that the review would not address many of the public concerns that have been raised over the agreement.
“The attitude by the KMT doesn’t leave any room for the concerns of either the opposition party or members of the public worried about the ECFA,” she said.
Thursday’s brawl was regrettable, she said, but it occurred because DPP lawmakers were not able to “reasonablely discuss and review” the trade agreement because of the government’s interference.
The DPP caucus is expected to spend their time away from the provisional session in town hall meetings nationwide.
The meetings are expected to focus on the ECFA’s potential impact on Taiwan.
DPP lawmakers say the trade pact will impact the unemployment rate and damage fragile industries through an influx of cheaper Chinese goods. The KMT government says that claim has been blown out of proportion.
At a separate setting yesterday, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) called for a “gentleman movement” in the legislature.
He expressed regret over Thursday’s clash, and urged legislators to exercise self-restraint on the legislative floor.
“Maybe we should promote the gentleman movement in the legislature, and help our legislators act more maturely, so that the legislative matters will run more smoothly,” Ma said.
Presidential Office Spokesman Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) condemned the DPP for using violence in the legislative session, and urged Tsai to review the behavior of her party’s lawmakers.
“Tsai has repeatedly pledged to rationally oversee the government’s performance, and it is time to stop using violence. We hope Tsai will take the necessary actions against party members who cause violence,” he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MO YAN-CHIH
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