China Taiwan votes on dismissal of 24 opposition politicians
A total of 24 opposition MPs have to face a recall election in Taiwan. Voters will decide by referendum whether or not the politicians may retain their mandate. Results are expected later today.
26.07.2025, 09:13
SDA
The votes are based on initiatives by civil society groups close to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). They accuse parts of the opposition of being too close to the communist leadership in Beijing. Some members of parliament from the national conservative Kuomintang (KMT) are said to have met with Chinese officials or aligned themselves with official positions from Beijing.
Beijing repeatedly threatens with military action
The country, with a population of more than 23 million, has had an independent government since 1949. However, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it, using the military if necessary.
China describes the DPP as a separatist force and refuses to talk to its leadership. Under a previous KMT government, however, there had been rapprochement.
The background to the current vote is a domestic political blockade: although President Lai Ching-te of the DPP won the presidential election in January 2024, his party fell short of a majority in parliament. The DPP currently holds 51 of the 113 seats. The KMT has 52 seats. In addition, the centrist Taiwan People's Party (TPP) holds eight seats and two non-party MPs, most of whom vote with the KMT. This means that the opposition camp currently has 62 votes.
Vote out could change majorities
Observers speak of a political standstill in parliament at a time when pressure from Beijing on Taiwan is increasing. The opposition recently used its narrow majority to push through controversial legislation, such as stricter control of the defense budget. Critics warn that these measures could ultimately strengthen Beijing's interests and restrict the government's ability to act.
If the elections are successful, the majority in parliament could temporarily shift in favor of the DPP. Seats of voted-out MPs will remain vacant until by-elections are held. These would have to take place within three months. This would initially give the government more political leeway.
A second round of recall votes has already been scheduled: On August 23, seven more KMT MPs are to be put to the vote. The KMT sharply criticizes the procedure. The DPP is using democratic instruments to eliminate the opposition, it said. This endangers parliamentary stability and further divides society.
