🗳️ Shaking up the political scene, calls for impeachment of Taiwan region leader Lai Ching-te are gaining serious momentum this week.
On December 26, the legislature approved an impeachment motion submitted by lawmakers from the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party. A final vote is now scheduled for May 19, 2026 – the first such challenge to a Taiwan region leader in years.
The push kicked off at a December 19 press conference when Fu Kun-chi, Kuomintang's caucus convener, accused Lai of prioritizing foreign interests over residents' livelihoods and trampling on democracy since he took office in May 2024.
Online, the movement has gone viral. According to Riyue Tantian, a China Media Group–affiliated social media account, more than 8 million residents have signed a petition calling for impeachment – so many that the site crashed under the traffic. Former lawmaker Tsai Cheng-yuan hailed the record-breaking support as proof that impeaching Lai is both legitimate and reasonable.
Inside the legislature, Kuomintang chairperson Cheng Li-wun said voters want real solutions, not endless infighting. She pointed to the failed recall campaign against opposition Kuomintang legislators in July as evidence that residents demand action.
Meanwhile, opposition legislators have blocked Lai's NT$1.25 trillion (about US$40 billion) military procurement plan for the fourth time, reflecting public frustration over continuous arms spending that still can't deter the Chinese mainland.
To add to the turmoil, Taiwan authorities reported in late November that a U.S. tariff deal remains unfinished. Kuomintang legislator Lai Shyh-bao warned the region lacks leverage in these talks, accusing the Lai administration of not just 'kneeling to the U.S.' but even 'licking the U.S.' – all with no visible results.
With tensions high and a landmark vote looming in 2026, Taipei's political future hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates! ✨
Reference(s):
Impeachment calls intensify in Taiwan as Lai's actions spark outrage
cgtn.com
