On 20 June, the Central Election Commission approved recall petitions against at least 24 out of 52 Legislative Yuan members from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. The petitions were launched by civil society groups in response to controversial opposition bills and motions passed in 2025 that paralyzed the Constitutional Court and led to unprecedented budget cuts, undermining the central government’s operations. Taiwan’s recall process allows voters to remove elected officials from office through a referendum before their terms end, holding representatives accountable outside of regular election cycles. The KMT attempted counter-recalls against DPP lawmakers, however none received sufficient support. Voting is scheduled for 26 July and those legislators who are successfully recalled will not be able to stand in the subsequent by-election, which must occur within three months’ time. Political analysts suggest that the results could allow the Democratic Progressive Party to regain its majority in the legislature or lead to further political gridlock. 

Sources: Focus Taiwan, Financial Times, International IDEA, The Diplomat

On 18 October, the opposition Kuomintang (中國國民黨) (KMT) advanced proposals to amend the constitutional Court Procedure Act. The amendments specify that the Court must consist of 15 justices and require a two-thirds majority (10 votes) to issue rulings (The current law only requires a simple majority). Legal critics note that the amendments would make it difficult for justices to rule on cases, undermining the Court’s operations and the public’s right to demand constitutional interpretations. Lawyers have also flagged that the Court would have to cease operation whenever its composition is too small. In November, around 2000 protesters including several hundred lawyers gathered to protest the bills. The Legislative Yuan is set to vote on the changes in the coming months. 

Update: On 20 December, the Legislative Yuan passed the Act. President Lai Chin-te signed the law as required in late January 2025; however, ruling party lawmakers have sought an injunction and Constitutional Court interpretation of the controversial amendments. 

Sources: Taipei Times (1), Taipei Times (2), Focus Taiwan, New Bloom, Nikkei Asia

On 20 September, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled that the death penalty remains constitutional for “the most serious crimes” while imposing stricter limitations on its application. While some legal and rights experts expressed disappointment that the death penalty was not entirely abolished, they acknowledged that the ruling represents a modest but important step toward reducing death sentences and advancing criminal justice reforms in Taiwan.  The decision was made in response to a legal challenge by 37 death row inmates and took effect immediately. The Court also directed the government to amend several criminal procedural laws within two years to enhance protections for the right to life and due process. These include requiring unanimous sentencing by a judicial panel, banning sentences for defendants with psychological disabilities and strengthening protections during criminal trials.

Sources: Taipei Times, Human Rights Watch, Nikkei Asia, The Death Penalty Project

On 28 May, Taiwanese legislators passed a package of controversial reforms expanding the parliament’s power to scrutinize the incoming government. The reforms allow lawmakers to request information from various entities, criminalize ‘contempt of parliament’ by officials, and require the president to provide regular reports and answer lawmakers’ questions (a first for Taiwan) or face fines. The opposition Kuomintang (中國國民黨) (KMT) and Taiwan’s People’s Party (台灣民眾黨) (TPP) used their combined majority to push forward the bills just days before President Lai Chin-te’s inauguration, arguing that the bills would ensure checks and balances and allow the legislature to target corruption. Civil society, academics and legal scholars argue that the vague and overreaching amendments could be misused for partisan vendettas and compromise national security. Since 17 May, thousands of people have gathered outside the parliament to protest the reforms peacefully. Critics say the amendments were rushed through the legislature without proper deliberation. The bills do not take immediate effect and still require approval from the president and the Executive Yuan. The Democratic Progressive Party (民主進步黨) (DPP) will seek a Constitutional Court ruling on the legality of the passed reforms and will send the bills back to the Legislative Yuan for reconsideration.

Update: On 25 October, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court invalidated key parts of these bills. The Court found that the reforms were passed in a rushed and flawed manner and that some provisions, including those allowing lawmakers to demand information and criminalize contempt of parliament through fines and jail time, violated the Constitution. 

Sources: Focus Taiwan, Al Jazeera, ABC News, The Financial Times, Reuters (1), Taipei Times, Reuters (2)