2024-12-16
Condemning KMT's Destruction of Democracy and Implementation of Parliamentary Martial Law
Lin Yu-chang: Eric Chu Must Publicly Apologize to Taiwanese Society
In reaction to KMT legislators barricading meeting rooms to deny DPP legislators access to the meeting room and pass amendments to the Public Officials Election And Recall Act within one minute, DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang held a press conference today (16th) “Condemning the KMT’s destruction of democracy and implementation of parliamentary martial law.” Lin condemned KMT Chairperson Eric Chu and KMT Caucus Convenor Fu Kun-chi for their joint efforts to undermine the Constitution and the political turmoil they have caused in its aftermath. Lin further called on Eric Chu to publicly apologize to the Taiwanese people and society at large, while calling for Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu to convene a meeting immediately to resolve the situation.
Lin stated that this (16th) morning, in a shocking and heartbreaking event that took place in the Legislative Yuan, the KMT implemented parliamentary martial law, undermining Taiwan's democracy. The DPP condemns today’s developments in the strongest terms. The DPP calls upon KMT Chairperson Eric Chu to shoulder responsibility for the incident and publicly apologize to the Taiwanese people and society. The DPP also calls upon Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu to immediately convene a meeting to address the KMT’s unlawful actions and prevent the destruction of parliamentary democracy at his hands.
Lin pointed out that the KMT had in the past forcibly passed legislation within half a minute, in contravention of democratic due process and discussion – but at least then legislators from other parties were allowed in the meeting room to participate. However, the events that occurred in the Internal Administration Committee today were more outrageous than passing legislation under half a minute, and the KMT’s actions have reached the point of undermining the Constitution and causing political chaos.
Lin noted that KMT legislators had deployed violence to physically restrict the freedom of movement of legislators from other political parties. The KMT locked themselves inside the Internal Administration Committee and prevented access to the meeting room, where they passed amendments amongst themselves without the participation of officials, media, DPP legislators or even TPP legislators.
Rebuking the KMT, Lin said “If the KMT can wreak havoc like this, is there still democracy left in Taiwan?” If today's Election and Recall Act and Internal Administration Committee can be handled in such a chaotic manner, then any future bill or committee could be manipulated in the same way, even plenary sessions, with the KMT shutting the door, holding meetings by themselves, reviewing bills by themselves, and passing bills by themselves! What else can this be but martial law in the legislature?
Lin noted that following Fu Kun-chi’s visit to China this April, the KMT returned to Taiwan and subsequently launched a series of legislation aimed at unconstitutionally expanding parliamentary power. Last week, following Fu’s visit to Hong Kong, the KMT instituted martial law in the Legislative Yuan. Lin emphasized that this was a critical moment for Taiwan's democracy, with Eric Chu and Fu Kun-chi teaming up to undermine the Constitution and cause political chaos. Lin concluded by stating that the public was closely watching whether Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu and legislators from other political parties would defend parliamentary dignity and Taiwanese democracy. The DPP remains resolute in its defense of democratic due process, and will never allow an authoritarian mindset to erode the precious democratic values that Taiwan holds dear.
