On Tuesday, thousands of opponents demonstrated outside the legislature of Taiwan, shouting “defend democracy” as the legislature passed a number of divisive proposals to increase its authority.
Expanded parliamentary powers, according to supporters, are necessary to combat corruption; however, detractors worry that the rules may make the self-governing island more vulnerable to China’s influence, which claims the island as part of its territory.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports the island’s sovereignty but lost its majority in parliament in January elections, is represented by New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
After multiple sessions, the legislation, which were put out by the Kuomintang (KMT), the country’s biggest opposition party and one that is generally seen as more accommodating to Beijing, were approved on Tuesday with the backing of the newly formed Taiwan People’s Party.
One of the modifications that was passed required the president to give a “State of the Nation” speech to parliament and respond to questions from lawmakers. This was a first for Taiwan.
The parliament can now also use its “power of investigation” to demand information from relevant parties, including commercial businesses, governmental organizations, and military forces.
They risk fines of up to NT$100,000 ($3,100) if they refuse, put off, or withhold details.
During Tuesday’s protracted session, party MPs tossed paper aircraft at the KMT, while the DPP draped banners that said, “oppose expanding power, support Taiwan” surrounding the main chamber of parliament.
A different bill that was passed makes “contempt of parliament” illegal and carries a further NT$200,000 fine.
The KMT has been accused by lawmaker Chiu Yi-ying of “following (Chinese President) Xi Jinping’s plan” by the DPP, which claims the measures were passed without adequate consultation.
Throughout the night, demonstrators held signs that read “no discussions, no democracy” as they marched.
At the height of the protests on Friday, tens of thousands of demonstrators sat in pouring rain outside the parliament, demanding that MPs rescind the measures.
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