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Members of the opposition Nationalist Party of Taiwan and party workers cheer after a press conference. 24 MPs from the opposition Nationalist Party have to face a recall election in Taiwan. Photo: ChiangYing-ying/AP/dpa
Keystone
The parliamentary balance of power in Taiwan remains unchanged after a major recall election against opposition MPs accused of being too close to China. In a setback for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), all 24 candidates of the national conservative Kuomintang (KMT) standing for recall were able to defend their seats in a referendum. This was reported by the Taiwanese news agency CNA, citing data from the election commission.
The votes were based on initiatives by civil society groups close to the DPP. They accused parts of the opposition of being too close to the communist leadership in Beijing. Some KMT MPs are said to have met with Chinese officials or aligned themselves with official positions from Beijing.
Beijing repeatedly threatens with military action
The island republic with its more than 23 million inhabitants 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 vote now being held was a domestic political blockade: although President Lai Ching-te of the DPP won the presidential election in January 2024, his party failed to secure a majority in parliament. The DPP 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 gives the opposition camp 62 votes. A distribution that will remain the same after Saturday's vote.
The result shows how mature democracy is in Taiwan, said Eric Chu, chairman of the China-friendly KMT. The DPP, on the other hand, warned against misinterpreting the result. "This recall initiative proves the determination of many Taiwanese to resist communism, defend Taiwan and protect constitutional democracy," said DPP parliamentary group leader Rosalia Wu.
Another recall election scheduled for August
Observers recently spoke of a political standstill in parliament at a time when pressure from Beijing on Taiwan is increasing. The opposition used its 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.
A second round of recall votes is scheduled for August 23. Seven more KMT deputies will then 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.
26.07.2025, 15:30
