Lawmakers approve motion to begin impeachment of Taiwan leader Lai

ISTANBUL

Taiwan’s legislature, known as the Legislative Yuan, on Friday approved a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings against Taiwan’s leader William Lai Ching-te for allegedly “undermining constitutional order and democracy, and violating the constitution,” Focus Taiwan reported.

The motion passed with 60 votes from opposition lawmakers in the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party, against 51 members from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Lai, who was elected and took office last year, might be required to defend his actions before lawmakers once hearings are completed. The proceedings are expected to continue until at least May next year, when an impeachment vote is scheduled.

The motion followed Lai’s failure on Dec. 15 to sign an amended law intended to increase local governments’ share of public revenues. It marked the first time in Taiwan’s modern political history that a top elected leader did not sign legislation approved by the legislature.

Lai’s DPP lost its majority in last year’s elections, a setback for his administration as opposition parties consolidated power.