TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Most members of the Kuomintang (KMT) walked out of the Legislative Yuan during Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) policy report on Friday (May 31), signaling a protest against his administration's stance on legislative reform.
This marked Cho's first visit to the Legislative Yuan for a policy report, an event that was met with mixed reactions from the attending legislators.
A Divided Legislature
As Premier Cho delivered his policy report, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) invited the assembly to welcome him with applause. However, this gesture was met with a walkout by the majority of KMT legislators, while their counterparts from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) responded with cheers and applause. The KMT's dramatic exit underscored the deep divisions within Taiwan's political landscape, particularly on national governance and reform issues.
The Silent Protest
KMT caucus secretary-general Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) criticized Premier Cho for ignoring public opinion and the mainstream voice on legislative reform. He described the walkout as a silent protest against Cho's policies. Despite the morning's protest, Hung assured KMT legislators would confront Cho directly in the afternoon's general questioning session, urging the Premier to come well-prepared for a substantive debate.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Taiwan's major political parties, underscoring the challenges facing Premier Cho's administration as it navigates the complexities of legislative reform and governance. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the Legislative Yuan's next moves and the potential implications for Taiwan's political future.
