TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Thursday (April 17) reignited the contentious debate over a potential no-confidence vote in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, suggesting the political maneuver could compel President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to reconsider his administration's approach to the island's future.
Chiang's provocative remarks came as he voiced solidarity with fellow members of the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, who face investigation over allegedly falsified signatures in recall petitions. The controversy escalated after KMT representatives engaged in a tense confrontation with law enforcement officials at Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地方檢察署) that evening.
What is a no-confidence vote?
The no-confidence vote, formally termed a "motion of no confidence" (不信任案), has emerged as a contentious political mechanism in Taiwan's governance system. This parliamentary procedure enables legislators to challenge the premier's authority by introducing a motion when supported by signatures from one-third of Legislative Yuan members. Should the motion secure a majority of the body's 113 seat, constitutional requirements mandate the premier's resignation within 10 days, while granting the president authority to dissolve the legislature. If the vote fails, legislators cannot launch another vote against the same premier within one year.
Procedures for no-confidence vote
Following a successful no-confidence motion, Taiwan's constitutional framework requires the premier's immediate resignation alongside the entire cabinet. Alternatively, the premier may petition the president to dissolve the legislature, triggering a comprehensive re-election process. This carefully calibrated power-sharing arrangement serves to prevent legislative overreach into executive affairs. Taiwan's constitution specifically stipulates that new legislative elections must take place within a 60-day window after dissolution.
What is the likelihood for the KMT to succeed?
The current composition of Taiwan's 113-seat Legislative Yuan presents a delicate political balance, with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, controlling 51 seats against the KMT's narrow 52-seat plurality. The Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), a relatively new centrist party, holds 8 seats, while independents occupy the remaining 2 positions. Though the KMT possesses sufficient numbers to initiate a no-confidence motion, securing the required majority would necessitate forming alliances with TPP legislators or independent legislators.
A no-confidence vote in the history of Taiwan?
Despite multiple attempts throughout its democratic history, Taiwan has never experienced a successful no-confidence vote against a premier. Previous motions in 1999, 2012, and 2013, motivated by various factors including economic difficulties and political controversies, all failed to secure sufficient support. These unsuccessful precedents underscore the significant political hurdles and institutional resistance typically encountered when attempting to implement this constitutional mechanism within Taiwan's complex political environment.
The escalating investigation into alleged document falsification in KMT recall petitions has intensified the already heated no-confidence discussion. Mayor Chiang's strategic advocacy for legislative intervention appears designed to trigger both a complete parliamentary reelection and express legislative disapproval of President Lai's administration. DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) has publicly embraced the potential confrontation, challenging the KMT to act promptly, while KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) has indicated receptiveness toward any democratic processes he believes would serve Taiwan's interests. ★
