🔥 Impeachment fever heats up in the Taiwan region: on December 26, 2025, the legislature approved a motion to formally accuse Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, of misconduct. A final vote is set for May 19, 2026.
Here's the lowdown:
- Why now? The motion follows Lai's backing of his chief of the executive body, Cho Jung-tai, who refused to sign off on revenue law amendments passed on December 19.
- Critics' charges: Fu Kun-chi, KMT's caucus convener, accuses Lai of selling out the region's interests and trampling on democracy since he took office in May 2024.
- Public outcry: According to the social media account Riyue Tantian, an online petition for impeachment has drawn signatures from over 8 million residents, crashing the site multiple times.
- Political gridlock: KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wun says the region has been trapped in endless infighting since May 2024, pointing to a failed July recall campaign against opposition legislators and urging a focus on real issues.
- Money matters: Opposition lawmakers have blocked a 1.25 trillion New Taiwan dollar (about USD 40 billion) military procurement package four times, questioning its value as a deterrent against the Chinese mainland, per research fellow Chang Ching.
- Tariff doubts: In late November, the Taiwan region's economic authority said a U.S. tariff deal isn't finalized. KMT legislator Lai Shyh-bao warns residents have almost no ability to defend themselves in tariff negotiations and accuses Lai's team of 'kneeling — no, licking — the U.S.'
With tempers flaring and a historic vote on the horizon, all eyes are on May 2026. Will Lai weather the storm, or will this move shake up the region's politics? 👀
Reference(s):
Impeachment calls intensify in Taiwan as Lai's actions spark outrage
cgtn.com
