(Taipei) Taiwan’s parliament passed a controversial set of laws on Tuesday intended to expand its prerogatives, angering thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the building who chanted “Defend democracy!” », against a backdrop of strong tensions with China.
Supporters of expanding the assembly’s power say the move is necessary to fight corruption, but critics fear the laws could weaken democracy in Taiwan under the influence of China, which claims the island. autonomous as part of its territory.
The texts adopted Tuesday were presented by the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s largest opposition party, widely considered to be the most favorable to Beijing. They also received the support of the Taiwan People’s Party, a group on the rise.
Lai Ching-te, inaugurated on May 20 as president of Taiwan, comes from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which defends the sovereignty of Taiwan, but lost the majority in Parliament following the elections in January.
Under the new laws, the president must make a “state of the nation” speech to parliamentarians and answer their questions, a first.
The assembly can also now exercise its “investigative power” by asking government agencies, military units, private companies or people involved in an investigation to provide it with information.
In case of refusal, blocking or concealment of information, a fine of up to 3100 US dollars may be imposed.
“Contempt of Parliament”, punishable by a large fine, was also introduced.
“Many of our friends outside [du bâtiment] are frustrated and sad and we regret that these bad bills aimed at expanding the power of Parliament were passed today,” commented Huang Jie, an elected member of the DPP.
PHOTO CHIANG YING-YING, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Demonstrators mobilized throughout the night near the building.
Another, Chiu Yi-ying, even accused the KMT of “following the plan of [président chinois] Xi Jinping.”
The PDP hung banners inside Parliament proclaiming “Oppose the expansion of power [de l’assemblée]support Taiwan.”
Demonstrators mobilized throughout the night near the building.
“It has become a long-term battle, it is not over,” said one of them, Wang Tin-lin, 39, after the laws were adopted. “We will not lose confidence or our fighting spirit because of this incident.”
On Friday, at the height of the demonstrations, tens of thousands of people surrounded Parliament, in pouring rain, to demand that elected officials renounce all these legislative proposals.