Heated debate boils over as Taiwan鈥檚 lawmakers brawl
Print Edition
TAIWAN lawmakers came to blows and threw water bombs during a chaotic session yesterday as the government of Tsai Ing-wen pressed ahead with controversial reforms.
Female legislators had their hands on each other’s throats as a dozen colleagues pushed and shouted trying to separate them in the main chamber during a review of a major infrastructure project’s budget.
The opposition Kuomintang is against the plan, saying it favors cities and counties faithful to Tsai’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party and has been devised to secure support for the party ahead of next year’s regional elections.
The project includes light rail lines, flood control measures and green energy facilities.
Critics also question whether the NT$420 billion (US$13.8 billion) cost is justified.
The morning review hearing was suspended following the brawl as Kuomintang lawmakers occupied the podium.
Lunch failed to calm tensions and the clashes continued into the afternoon when opposition lawmakers honked air horns and tried to throw balloons filled with water. The session was again abandoned.
Tsai has seen her popularity plummet to under 40 percent from nearly 70 percent when she took office in May last year as her government attempts to tackle a range of controversial issues from gay marriage to pension and judicial reforms.
Violent protests erupted outside the government building in April when opponents of pension reforms attacked politicians and scuffled with police.
Late last year lawmakers also brawled in the chamber, as labor activists set off smoke bombs outside in protest at proposed holiday cuts.
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