Taiwan Legislative Hearing: Scholars Assert Presidential Impeachment is Legally Justified

(Taipei, 27th, Central News Agency) The Legislative Yuan today held a hearing on the 'Presidential Impeachment Case.' Invited scholars and experts explained why President Lai Ching-te should be impeached, asserting that the move is legally justified, constitutional, and a necessary measure to uphold constitutional integrity.

The hearing invited government personnel and relevant experts. While the DPP caucus did not invite speakers, the KMT and TPP caucuses provided lists of experts and conducted inquiries through their legislators.

Lin Teng-yao, a retired law professor from Tunghai University, stated that President Lai violated his duty of constitutional loyalty and betrayed the people by departing from eight major constitutional spirits, including the democratic republic spirit and the separation of powers. Yang Chia-fa, founder of the Climate Pioneer Alliance, pointed out that the President's erratic energy policies are more harmful than corruption and have left citizens confused. Huang Chin-tang, a retired political science professor from NTU, argued that Lai's lead in the Premier's refusal to countersign the Finance Act was a deliberate and severe violation of the balance between the Executive and Legislative Yuans.

Others noted that the current political deadlock, including cross-strait issues and legislative erosion, makes impeachment a necessary 'last resort' to restart the constitutional system. Following today's hearing, the Legislative Yuan is scheduled to hold review sessions on May 13-14 and a recorded vote on May 19. According to the Constitution, an impeachment requires a 2/3 resolution in the Legislature followed by a 2/3 approval from Grand Justices in the Constitutional Court for the President to be removed.