TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is bracing for a historic wave of legislative recall votes on July 26 that could shift the balance of power in its parliament.
Up to 31 Kuomintang lawmakers are targeted in the campaign, with 24 facing votes after meeting legal thresholds. If successful, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party could regain a legislative majority, according to Nikkei Asia.
The recall drive stems from public backlash against opposition-led legislative reforms seen as weakening the executive branch. Critics say these actions have stalled budgets and challenged the authority of the Constitutional Court.
After the Constitutional Court struck down parts of the opposition’s power expansion bill, lawmakers tried to delay judicial appointments and amend court rules. These moves drew further criticism and scrutiny.
In the 113-seat Legislative Yuan, the KMT holds 54 seats, while the DPP has 51. Taiwan People’s Party controls eight non-recallable proportional representation seats, with two independents rounding out the chamber.
If the recalls succeed, new elections will be needed to fill vacated seats. The outcome could reduce the KMT-TPP coalition’s edge and boost the DPP’s legislative influence.
This recall push follows the KMT-TPP coalition’s resurgence in the January 2024 elections, which ended eight years of DPP legislative control. While the DPP retained the presidency, it lost its legislative majority.
Since March 2024, the KMT and TPP have jointly advanced a series of legislative reform bills in the Legislative Yuan. The proposals prompted concerns from some civil society groups, who questioned whether the reforms expanded legislative power at the expense of existing checks and balances.
In response, the Bluebird Movement emerged, initially calling for the withdrawal of the bills. The movement continued through the end of the year, as the legislature passed amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, and the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures.
Legal experts and civil society groups argue the new legislative majority has eroded democratic checks, citing opposition proposals that challenge constitutional limits. Activists later began promoting local recall campaigns targeting lawmakers they viewed as unfit for office.
The Bluebird Movement emerged as a major protest force, rallying tens of thousands last year against the perceived legislative overreach. It galvanized support from students, professionals, and civic organizations across Taiwan.
Prominent KMT figures facing recall include caucus convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), secretary-general Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇), and deputy secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強). Their inclusion signals deep voter discontent, even in the party’s leadership ranks.
Still, many of the targeted KMT lawmakers represent deep-blue strongholds. Even if they are recalled, by-elections in deep-blue districts could still elect similar KMT candidates.
Fu became a lightning rod for controversy after visiting Beijing in April 2024 and meeting top Chinese Communist Party official Wang Huning (王滬寧). During the visit, Fu emphasized shared cultural ties across the Taiwan Strait and called for “great exchanges, prosperity, peace, and cooperation.”
KMT leaders defended the trip as a peace initiative. Fu said the visit represented the will of all Taiwanese to promote dialogue and avoid conflict.
Analysts say the recall effort blindsided KMT leadership. National Taiwan University’s Lev Nachman noted that public anger is more about domestic governance than cross-strait policy.
KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) said the party aims to pursue cooperation over confrontation. He added that it will continue to uphold its stance in support of the public and Taiwan’s democratic system.
KMT attempts to launch counter-recalls have failed so far. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating allegations of forged recall petition signatures linked to KMT-affiliated groups.
TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) noted a contrast between the president’s Lunar New Year message calling for national unity and cross-party harmony, and what he described as the administration’s support for widespread recall efforts.
DPP Legislator Shen Pao-yang (沈伯洋) said dialogue with the opposition has been difficult. Even when some KMT or TPP members are open to cooperation, party leadership often blocks progress.
Shen acknowledged that some recalled lawmakers may be replaced with similar candidates but emphasized the broader aim of fostering cooperation on national security issues. He said the recalls are about restoring legislative balance and protecting democratic institutions.