Legislative Yuan to Vote on Presidential Impeachment on May 19; DPP: Will Not Attend 'Political Farce'
The Legislative Yuan has reached a consensus to hold a named-vote on the presidential impeachment on May 19. The DPP caucus has announced a boycott, labeling the move a political show by the opposition.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 15:50
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 16:02 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 22:33 (6h 31m after Collected)
Taipei, April 24 (CNA) – Cross-party caucuses in the Legislative Yuan reached a consensus today to hold a named-vote for the presidential impeachment on May 19 at 10:00 AM. Chuang Jui-hsiung, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus, stated in an interview that the opposition is treating the constitutional system as a political theater. He emphasized that the DPP would not endorse this 'political farce' and that its lawmakers would not enter the chamber to vote on that day.
Following Premier Cho Jung-tai's announcement refusing to countersign the Fiscal Position Act, opposition lawmakers from the KMT and TPP decided to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Lai Ching-te. In a session last December 26, the opposition used its majority to pass a motion to hold a public hearing on April 27, 2026, and the impeachment vote on May 19. The President has also been invited to explain his position to the review committee.
During today's meeting, parties agreed on five points, including the May 19 schedule. Voting will last for one hour, followed by individual interpellations in the afternoon. Regarding the April 27 hearing, the DPP has already indicated it will not send representatives. Chuang noted that the DPP's current priority is to accelerate the review of the national budget and the defense special regulations essential for Taiwan's security. 'We will not keep them company in this political play,' he added.
Currently, the KMT, along with independents Chen Chao-ming and Kao Chin Su-mei, holds 54 seats, the DPP has 51, and the TPP has 8. According to the Constitution, an impeachment referral requires a 2/3 majority (76 votes) from the Legislative Yuan before being sent to the Constitutional Court for trial. A final conviction requires the consent of at least 2/3 of the Grand Justices.
Following Premier Cho Jung-tai's announcement refusing to countersign the Fiscal Position Act, opposition lawmakers from the KMT and TPP decided to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Lai Ching-te. In a session last December 26, the opposition used its majority to pass a motion to hold a public hearing on April 27, 2026, and the impeachment vote on May 19. The President has also been invited to explain his position to the review committee.
During today's meeting, parties agreed on five points, including the May 19 schedule. Voting will last for one hour, followed by individual interpellations in the afternoon. Regarding the April 27 hearing, the DPP has already indicated it will not send representatives. Chuang noted that the DPP's current priority is to accelerate the review of the national budget and the defense special regulations essential for Taiwan's security. 'We will not keep them company in this political play,' he added.
Currently, the KMT, along with independents Chen Chao-ming and Kao Chin Su-mei, holds 54 seats, the DPP has 51, and the TPP has 8. According to the Constitution, an impeachment referral requires a 2/3 majority (76 votes) from the Legislative Yuan before being sent to the Constitutional Court for trial. A final conviction requires the consent of at least 2/3 of the Grand Justices.