Taiwan's Legislative Yuan approved a motion on December 26, 2025, to launch impeachment proceedings against President William Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) accused him of undermining constitutional order, democracy, and violating the constitution.
The motion passed with 60 votes in favor from the opposition bloc against 51 votes from DPP lawmakers. Sources vary slightly on the exact tally (some report 61-50), but the opposition's slim majority in the 113-seat legislature enabled passage. This marks the first step in a process unlikely to result in removal, as a final impeachment requires a two-thirds majority (approximately 76 votes), which the opposition lacks.
Under Taiwan's constitutional framework, the approved motion triggers public hearings and review sessions. Scheduled events include public hearings on January 14-15, 2026, legislative review meetings on January 21-22 and May 13-14, during which Lai will be invited to explain and respond to questions. A final roll-call impeachment vote is set for May 19, 2026. If passed by two-thirds, the case would proceed to the Constitutional Court, needing approval from at least two-thirds of justices for removal.
The proceedings stem from Lai's refusal on December 15, 2025, to promulgate amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures. The opposition-passed law aimed to increase local governments' share of central tax revenues. Premier Cho Jung-tai declined to countersign the bill, citing fiscal unsustainability and potential harm to national priorities like defense. Lai supported this, marking the first time in Taiwan's modern history that an executive branch refused to enact legislature-approved legislation.
Opposition leaders framed the refusal as a power grab violating separation of powers. KMT caucus convener Fu Kun-chi accused Lai of undermining democracy since taking office, while TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang emphasized highlighting legislative authority. The opposition announced impeachment plans on December 19, 2025, following the fiscal dispute.
The DPP and Presidential Office maintain the action respects constitutional processes if lawful. Analysts describe the effort as largely symbolic, aimed at protesting Lai's administration amid gridlock. Lai's DPP retained the presidency in 2024 elections but lost its legislative majority, leading to sustained confrontation with the KMT-TPP alliance.
This development exacerbates Taiwan's political polarization and constitutional tensions, including disputes over judicial appointments stalling the Constitutional Court. While unlikely to succeed, the proceedings provide a platform for opposition scrutiny ahead of future elections.
