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CNN
2 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Taiwan is paralyzed by political gridlock. A mass recall vote could break the statemate
Giant yellow trucks decked with bears sipping boba tea and broadcasting lawmaker speeches, emotional rallies featuring rock bands and rival political camps jostling for support outside metro stations – Taiwan is in the midst of what feels like a full-swing election. But this passionate political theatre is not to elect lawmakers. Instead it is an attempt to unseat them, using an unusual quirk of Taiwan's democratic system – a recall vote. This Saturday, Taiwan goes to the ballot box to decide whether 24 lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) – around 20 percent of Taiwan's legislature – can keep their jobs. Seven more seats are to be voted on next month. The outcome could reshape Taiwan's political landscape, allowing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to recapture a majority in the legislature, currently controlled by its opponents the KMT and the smaller Taiwan's People Party (TPP). Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who has struggled to get his agenda through parliament, has endorsed the recall as he tries to keep relations onside with the United States and counter growing threats from China. Here's what to know about this massive political showdown Taiwan's constitution allows for lawmakers to be put to a recall vote after their first year in office if at least 10 percent of registered voters in their constituency sign a petition. It is a system that makes recalls quite common, but this is a record number of recalls for the island. Supporters of the recall movement have portrayed their campaign as 'anti-communist,' seeking to get rid of 'pro-China' opposition KMT lawmakers they perceive as collaborators of Beijing's ruling Communist Party, which vows to 'reunify' Taiwan, by force if necessary. They say the opposition has undermined democratic institutions and national security by obstructing Lai's administration, strong-arming controversial laws, freezing defense spending and imposing budget cuts. They also accuse the KMT of quietly 'colluding' with Beijing, citing – for example – a meeting last April between a KMT congressional delegation and Wang Huning, China's top official on Taiwan affairs. But campaigners have provided little hard evidence. While one KMT lawmaker facing recall is being investigated for allegedly receiving Chinese funding, no incumbents have been indicted on national security offenses. The KMT has rejected these accusations and decried the recall as an abuse of Taiwan's democratic rules, arguing it is a power grab attempt. At a rally this month, KMT chairman Eric Chu called President Lai a 'dictator.' 'The recall is totally unconstitutional and undemocratic,' said KMT vice chairperson Andrew Hsia. 'It is important for any democracy to maintain check and balance.' At the heart of this political fracas is two competing visions for Taiwan and the island's relationship with China. The ruling DPP party is openly loathed by Beijing, which has cut off all official communication with Taipei since they came to office. The DPP views Taiwan as separate from China and has seen repeated success in recent years at general elections, especially among younger voters. The KMT favors warmer ties with Beijing and sees Taiwan as part of a 'one China,' though both sides agreed to disagree what that China means. China's Communist leadership is far more willing to talk to the KMT. The result of the recall will determine whether Lai and his ruling DPP can implement policies that will shore up US support, or whether he becomes a lame duck president that can't get much done. Taiwan has been paralyzed by a political gridlock, with disagreements in parliament turning into brawls at times, hampering Lai's ability to push forward agenda items, including those that address key US concerns over Taiwan. In a bid to allay Washington's concern on security costs, Lai announced that Taiwan will increase its defense spending from 2.5% of its gross domestic product to more than 3 percent. But his lack of a majority in parliament may complicate efforts to achieve that. Lev Nachman, a political science professor at the National Taiwan University, says the recall result will significantly impact what Lai can do. 'Most importantly, this is going to involve questions of defense spending and how the US-Taiwan relationship is going to proceed,' Nachman told CNN. The KMT has long maintained that they support enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities but argued for prudence to curb wastefulness and ensure the efficacy of weapon programs. In recent years, China has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, sending fighter jets and warships around the island on an almost daily basis and looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage. The recall vote comes as Taiwan works to beef up its defenses against an increasingly aggressive China and show an openly transactional Trump administration that it is doing its fair share to pay for US support. The US and other western nations have grown increasingly concerned over whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping's vow to 'reunify' Taiwan might lead one day to a devastating invasion. Key China hawks in the Trump administration, including US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have pushed for Washington to spend less time and resources in Europe and focus instead on countering China in Asia. But the Trump administration has also been pushing all allies and supporters in Asia to pay more for US protection. The result of the recall could also impact Lai's standing with the Trump administration during a highly-anticipated and sensitive transit stopover in the US next month while on his way to visiting Paraguay, one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies. 'If the recalls flop and the DPP is not successful, the KMT is going to feel very empowered, and President Lai will be in a much less strong position going on these transit tours,' Nachman said. President Lai's DPP party currently control just 51 seats in Taiwan's 113 seat legislature. If KMT lawmakers lose their seats, by-elections must be held within three months. That could then provide the DPP an opening to win back enough seats to reclaim a parliamentary majority. The DPP would need to win at least six seats in the by-elections to meet the 57-seat majority threshold. But if they oust enough lawmakers – 12 – they could gain a majority immediately, even before the by-elections take place. A successful recall would empower Lai. 'He is going to feel that he has the mandate to push his policy agenda, in whatever manner he thinks to be appropriate,' added Nachman. CNN's Will Ripley contributed to reporting
CNN
3 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Taiwan is paralyzed by political gridlock. A mass recall vote could break the statemate
Giant yellow trucks decked with bears sipping boba tea and broadcasting lawmaker speeches, emotional rallies featuring rock bands and rival political camps jostling for support outside metro stations – Taiwan is in the midst of what feels like a full-swing election. But this passionate political theatre is not to elect lawmakers. Instead it is an attempt to unseat them, using an unusual quirk of Taiwan's democratic system – a recall vote. This Saturday, Taiwan goes to the ballot box to decide whether 24 lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) – around 20 percent of Taiwan's legislature – can keep their jobs. Seven more seats are to be voted on next month. The outcome could reshape Taiwan's political landscape, allowing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to recapture a majority in the legislature, currently controlled by its opponents the KMT and the smaller Taiwan's People Party (TPP). Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who has struggled to get his agenda through parliament, has endorsed the recall as he tries to keep relations onside with the United States and counter growing threats from China. Here's what to know about this massive political showdown Taiwan's constitution allows for lawmakers to be put to a recall vote after their first year in office if at least 10 percent of registered voters in their constituency sign a petition. It is a system that makes recalls quite common, but this is a record number of recalls for the island. Supporters of the recall movement have portrayed their campaign as 'anti-communist,' seeking to get rid of 'pro-China' opposition KMT lawmakers they perceive as collaborators of Beijing's ruling Communist Party, which vows to 'reunify' Taiwan, by force if necessary. They say the opposition has undermined democratic institutions and national security by obstructing Lai's administration, strong-arming controversial laws, freezing defense spending and imposing budget cuts. They also accuse the KMT of quietly 'colluding' with Beijing, citing – for example – a meeting last April between a KMT congressional delegation and Wang Huning, China's top official on Taiwan affairs. But campaigners have provided little hard evidence. While one KMT lawmaker facing recall is being investigated for allegedly receiving Chinese funding, no incumbents have been indicted on national security offenses. The KMT has rejected these accusations and decried the recall as an abuse of Taiwan's democratic rules, arguing it is a power grab attempt. At a rally this month, KMT chairman Eric Chu called President Lai a 'dictator.' 'The recall is totally unconstitutional and undemocratic,' said KMT vice chairperson Andrew Hsia. 'It is important for any democracy to maintain check and balance.' At the heart of this political fracas is two competing visions for Taiwan and the island's relationship with China. The ruling DPP party is openly loathed by Beijing, which has cut off all official communication with Taipei since they came to office. The DPP views Taiwan as separate from China and has seen repeated success in recent years at general elections, especially among younger voters. The KMT favors warmer ties with Beijing and sees Taiwan as part of a 'one China,' though both sides agreed to disagree what that China means. China's Communist leadership is far more willing to talk to the KMT. The result of the recall will determine whether Lai and his ruling DPP can implement policies that will shore up US support, or whether he becomes a lame duck president that can't get much done. Taiwan has been paralyzed by a political gridlock, with disagreements in parliament turning into brawls at times, hampering Lai's ability to push forward agenda items, including those that address key US concerns over Taiwan. In a bid to allay Washington's concern on security costs, Lai announced that Taiwan will increase its defense spending from 2.5% of its gross domestic product to more than 3 percent. But his lack of a majority in parliament may complicate efforts to achieve that. Lev Nachman, a political science professor at the National Taiwan University, says the recall result will significantly impact what Lai can do. 'Most importantly, this is going to involve questions of defense spending and how the US-Taiwan relationship is going to proceed,' Nachman told CNN. The KMT has long maintained that they support enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities but argued for prudence to curb wastefulness and ensure the efficacy of weapon programs. In recent years, China has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, sending fighter jets and warships around the island on an almost daily basis and looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage. The recall vote comes as Taiwan works to beef up its defenses against an increasingly aggressive China and show an openly transactional Trump administration that it is doing its fair share to pay for US support. The US and other western nations have grown increasingly concerned over whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping's vow to 'reunify' Taiwan might lead one day to a devastating invasion. Key China hawks in the Trump administration, including US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have pushed for Washington to spend less time and resources in Europe and focus instead on countering China in Asia. But the Trump administration has also been pushing all allies and supporters in Asia to pay more for US protection. The result of the recall could also impact Lai's standing with the Trump administration during a highly-anticipated and sensitive transit stopover in the US next month while on his way to visiting Paraguay, one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies. 'If the recalls flop and the DPP is not successful, the KMT is going to feel very empowered, and President Lai will be in a much less strong position going on these transit tours,' Nachman said. President Lai's DPP party currently control just 51 seats in Taiwan's 113 seat legislature. If KMT lawmakers lose their seats, by-elections must be held within three months. That could then provide the DPP an opening to win back enough seats to reclaim a parliamentary majority. The DPP would need to win at least six seats in the by-elections to meet the 57-seat majority threshold. But if they oust enough lawmakers – 12 – they could gain a majority immediately, even before the by-elections take place. A successful recall would empower Lai. 'He is going to feel that he has the mandate to push his policy agenda, in whatever manner he thinks to be appropriate,' added Nachman. CNN's Will Ripley contributed to reporting
CNN
3 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Taiwan is paralyzed by political gridlock. A mass recall vote could break the statemate
Giant yellow trucks decked with bears sipping boba tea and broadcasting lawmaker speeches, emotional rallies featuring rock bands and rival political camps jostling for support outside metro stations – Taiwan is in the midst of what feels like a full-swing election. But this passionate political theatre is not to elect lawmakers. Instead it is an attempt to unseat them, using an unusual quirk of Taiwan's democratic system – a recall vote. This Saturday, Taiwan goes to the ballot box to decide whether 24 lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) – around 20 percent of Taiwan's legislature – can keep their jobs. Seven more seats are to be voted on next month. The outcome could reshape Taiwan's political landscape, allowing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to recapture a majority in the legislature, currently controlled by its opponents the KMT and the smaller Taiwan's People Party (TPP). Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who has struggled to get his agenda through parliament, has endorsed the recall as he tries to keep relations onside with the United States and counter growing threats from China. Here's what to know about this massive political showdown Taiwan's constitution allows for lawmakers to be put to a recall vote after their first year in office if at least 10 percent of registered voters in their constituency sign a petition. It is a system that makes recalls quite common, but this is a record number of recalls for the island. Supporters of the recall movement have portrayed their campaign as 'anti-communist,' seeking to get rid of 'pro-China' opposition KMT lawmakers they perceive as collaborators of Beijing's ruling Communist Party, which vows to 'reunify' Taiwan, by force if necessary. They say the opposition has undermined democratic institutions and national security by obstructing Lai's administration, strong-arming controversial laws, freezing defense spending and imposing budget cuts. They also accuse the KMT of quietly 'colluding' with Beijing, citing – for example – a meeting last April between a KMT congressional delegation and Wang Huning, China's top official on Taiwan affairs. But campaigners have provided little hard evidence. While one KMT lawmaker facing recall is being investigated for allegedly receiving Chinese funding, no incumbents have been indicted on national security offenses. The KMT has rejected these accusations and decried the recall as an abuse of Taiwan's democratic rules, arguing it is a power grab attempt. At a rally this month, KMT chairman Eric Chu called President Lai a 'dictator.' 'The recall is totally unconstitutional and undemocratic,' said KMT vice chairperson Andrew Hsia. 'It is important for any democracy to maintain check and balance.' At the heart of this political fracas is two competing visions for Taiwan and the island's relationship with China. The ruling DPP party is openly loathed by Beijing, which has cut off all official communication with Taipei since they came to office. The DPP views Taiwan as separate from China and has seen repeated success in recent years at general elections, especially among younger voters. The KMT favors warmer ties with Beijing and sees Taiwan as part of a 'one China,' though both sides agreed to disagree what that China means. China's Communist leadership is far more willing to talk to the KMT. The result of the recall will determine whether Lai and his ruling DPP can implement policies that will shore up US support, or whether he becomes a lame duck president that can't get much done. Taiwan has been paralyzed by a political gridlock, with disagreements in parliament turning into brawls at times, hampering Lai's ability to push forward agenda items, including those that address key US concerns over Taiwan. In a bid to allay Washington's concern on security costs, Lai announced that Taiwan will increase its defense spending from 2.5% of its gross domestic product to more than 3 percent. But his lack of a majority in parliament may complicate efforts to achieve that. Lev Nachman, a political science professor at the National Taiwan University, says the recall result will significantly impact what Lai can do. 'Most importantly, this is going to involve questions of defense spending and how the US-Taiwan relationship is going to proceed,' Nachman told CNN. The KMT has long maintained that they support enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities but argued for prudence to curb wastefulness and ensure the efficacy of weapon programs. In recent years, China has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, sending fighter jets and warships around the island on an almost daily basis and looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage. The recall vote comes as Taiwan works to beef up its defenses against an increasingly aggressive China and show an openly transactional Trump administration that it is doing its fair share to pay for US support. The US and other western nations have grown increasingly concerned over whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping's vow to 'reunify' Taiwan might lead one day to a devastating invasion. Key China hawks in the Trump administration, including US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have pushed for Washington to spend less time and resources in Europe and focus instead on countering China in Asia. But the Trump administration has also been pushing all allies and supporters in Asia to pay more for US protection. The result of the recall could also impact Lai's standing with the Trump administration during a highly-anticipated and sensitive transit stopover in the US next month while on his way to visiting Paraguay, one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies. 'If the recalls flop and the DPP is not successful, the KMT is going to feel very empowered, and President Lai will be in a much less strong position going on these transit tours,' Nachman said. President Lai's DPP party currently control just 51 seats in Taiwan's 113 seat legislature. If KMT lawmakers lose their seats, by-elections must be held within three months. That could then provide the DPP an opening to win back enough seats to reclaim a parliamentary majority. The DPP would need to win at least six seats in the by-elections to meet the 57-seat majority threshold. But if they oust enough lawmakers – 12 – they could gain a majority immediately, even before the by-elections take place. A successful recall would empower Lai. 'He is going to feel that he has the mandate to push his policy agenda, in whatever manner he thinks to be appropriate,' added Nachman. CNN's Will Ripley contributed to reporting
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi HC grants pre-arrest bail to NewsClick chief
Prabir Purkayastha New Delhi: Delhi high court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha, who was booked on charges of receiving money to peddle pro-China propaganda through his news portal. The HC relief for Purkayastha came in two separate investigations - one by Delhi Police's economic offences wing (EOW) into claims of unlawful foreign funding, and the other by ED in the alleged money laundering case. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's order granting anticipatory bail came on a bunch of applications filed by Purkayastha. The court also granted relief to NewsClick director Pranjal Pandey in the foreign funding case filed by EOW. In 2021, the HC had first extended interim protection from arrest to Purkayastha and Pandey in the cases. According to the FIR registered by EOW, NewsClick received foreign direct investment to the tune of Rs 9.6 crore from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC USA during the financial year 2018-19 in violation of the relevant law. Police alleged large-scale violation of regulations by the portal by way of overvaluing of shares, diversion of funds and violation of FDI laws.
NDTV
18 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Will Boost Indian Tourist Arrivals": Ex Maldives President On PM Modi's Visit
Malé: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the island nation will significantly boost tourism from India and reaffirm bilateral ties. "When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister's visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives," Nasheed told ANI in an exclusive conversation ahead of PM Modi's two-day visit for the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations. Nasheed also highlighted that the Hanimadu Airport project, being built with Indian financial assistance, is nearing completion and will improve air connectivity between southern Indian cities and northern Maldives. "Hanimadu Airport would be just a little over an hour from most of the southern Indian cities. There is a big opportunity for both countries to benefit," he said. Speaking on the broader economic partnership, Nasheed credited India with preventing a financial crisis in the Maldives during difficult times. "If not for India, we would have gone default," he said, stressing that Indian assistance had played a critical role in ensuring economic stability. "Indian assistance and partnership in the Maldives are deeply valued and have played a critical role during our challenging times. With mounting financial difficulties and substantial debt repayment obligations, India's timely support helped us avoid default and maintain stability," Nasheed added. He said the India-Maldives economic partnership is built on trust and regional solidarity, which reinforces resilience between neighbouring countries. Nasheed pointed out that the Maldives has long followed an 'India-first' foreign policy, though election cycles in the past have sometimes tilted its direction. "We have always maintained an India-first foreign policy in the Maldives. But in the past, election cycles have sometimes caused our foreign policy to swing between a strong pro-China stance and a strong pro-India stance," he said. However, he added that democracy in the Maldives has now allowed for a more stable and consistent foreign policy, firmly centred on India. "Today, unlike before, across the spectrum of Maldivian politics, the approach is firmly India-first," he said. Nasheed stated that Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit reaffirms India's strategic commitment to its long-standing partnership with the Maldives, particularly given the country's strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Prime Minister Modi will be in the Maldives from July 25 to 26 at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He will attend the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour. In a departure message shared on X, PM Modi said, "Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The talks with President Muizzu will certainly add momentum to bilateral ties across diverse sectors." Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with President Muizzu to review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The visit is seen as an opportunity to reset bilateral relations, which had seen strain in recent months.
