TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant display of parliamentary strategy, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has effectively delayed the passage of a controversial bill aimed at expanding the powers of Taiwan's legislature.
Caucus Secretary-General Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) revealed on Wednesday (May 22) that despite registering to speak 1,155 times on the bill, DPP legislators were only allowed to take the floor 33 times, with Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) confiscating 97% of their speaking rights in a move criticized as a suppression by the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) coalition.
Legislative Battle and Public Response
The legislative session on Tuesday (May 21) extended into the early hours, concluding at 11:46 p.m. after a marathon 14.5-hour voting session. It resulted in the second reading of 21 articles and one chapter title related to the exercise of investigative powers. The continuation of this legislative effort is scheduled for Friday (May 24), with approximately 40 articles still pending review. Wu's strategy to use parliamentary tactics to delay the bill's second and third readings has been bolstered by public support, with thousands rallying outside the legislature.
A Call to Action
Legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) criticized the KMT and TPP's dismissive attitude towards the youth and their ideals, particularly after a large turnout of 30,000 protesters the previous night, which he attributed to the mobilization efforts against the KMT and TPP's regressive actions.
Wu warns that the opposition's attitude is under close public scrutiny, hinting at a strong backlash in the upcoming session on May 24. The DPP's successful delay tactics and the public support highlight a critical moment in Taiwan's legislative process and the ongoing struggle for democratic principles.