Taiwanese voters rejected an attempt to oust 24 opposition lawmakers on Saturday, an official tally showed, dealing a blow to President Lai Ching-te's party and its hopes for taking control of parliament.

Taipei

Taiwanese voters have rejected a recall effort targeting 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers, who had faced criticism for their perceived conciliatory approach towards China. The result is seen as a significant setback for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which had aimed to regain control of the parliament through the recall.

The KMT celebrated the outcome and called on President Lai Ching-teh to reconsider his approach, particularly in light of ongoing political gridlock and economic challenges. The DPP, which lost its legislative majority despite winning the presidency, continues to face opposition efforts to block its agenda. Another recall vote targeting seven more opposition lawmakers is scheduled.

Taiwanese voters reject attempt to recall China-friendly lawmakers

Residents of Taipei watched with bated breath as preliminary results of the recall vote rolled in. They showed that Taiwanese voters had rejected an attempt to oust 24 members of the opposition Kuomintang, or KMT, party, who faced criticism for what many see as a soft stance on China. It was a devastating blow for the Democratic Progressive Party, or the DPP, who had hoped to regain control of the parliament. All the Taiwanese people will bear the consequences of the results. Democracy and freedom are so precious. Their values are so precious. Freedom, human rights, and rule of law. But if Chinese communists arrive here, we'll lose all of this. The KMT party celebrated their victory and criticized President Lai Ching-teh for supporting the measure. He should deeply reflect and review how Taiwan should respond and what actions it should take in the face of global economic competition and the tariff trade war, so we can collectively overcome this greatest challenge without the mindset of political infighting. Political gridlock has gripped the Taiwanese parliament since the 2024 elections. Though Lai, who is pro-independence and at odds with China, won the presidency, his party, the DPP, lost its legislative majority. Opposition parties have since joined forces to block the president's agenda, including for a higher defense budget for the island. Tensions have soared in the legislative body, prompting brawls in parliament and large-scale street protests. Another recall vote is set for August 23rd, targeting another seven opposition lawmakers.

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Breakdown