On April 17, 2025, Mayor Chiang Wan-an, representing the KMT, called for the Legislature to dismiss the Cabinet through a vote of no confidence, accusing the Lai administration of judicial overreach. This followed raids on KMT offices over allegations of forged signatures on recall petitions targeting DPP lawmakers. The KMT perceives these actions as politically motivated persecution.
In response, President Lai Ching-te, while not directly addressing Chiang’s remarks, expressed a desire for national safety, societal stability, and public well-being during a joint appearance with Chiang at a temple event in Taipei.
Constitutional Mechanism
Taiwan’s Constitution allows the Legislative Yuan to propose a no-confidence vote against the Premier with the signatures of at least one-third of all lawmakers. If passed by a majority, the Premier must resign within ten days and may request the President to dissolve the Legislature.
Currently, the KMT holds 54 seats, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) holds eight in the 113-seat Legislature, giving the opposition a combined majority.
Reactions and Implications
The TPP has shown caution regarding the no-confidence proposal. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang noted that such a vote targets the Cabinet, not President Lai, and warned it might inadvertently benefit the DPP.
Premier Cho Jung-tai acknowledged the constitutional process but refrained from commenting on the potential dismissal, emphasizing the importance of public opinion.
FAQs
What prompted Mayor Chiang’s call for a no-confidence vote?
What are the potential outcomes of a successful no-confidence vote?
If the vote passes, the Premier must resign, and the President may dissolve the Legislature, leading to new legislative elections.
How has the public reacted to these developments?
Public opinion is divided, with some supporting the KMT’s stance against perceived judicial overreach, while others caution against political instability.
