TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Bluebird Movement and backers of the Kuomintang's (KMT) Blue Eagle Movement showed up outside the Legislative Yuan on Friday (June 21) amid a vote on controversial amendments.
On Friday, the Legislative Yuan will vote again on amendments passed in May to expand its powers after being sent back for reconsideration by the Cabinet. Bluebird Movement supporters oppose the bills, while the Blue Eagle Movement supports them, per CNA.
The Legislative Yuan vote mobilized over 50 civic groups for the Bluebird Movement, including the Taiwan Citizen Front and the Economic Democracy Union. Since Wednesday (June 19), they have gathered around the legislature, advocating against "legislative abuse," denouncing the KMT, and warning against the regression of democracy.
These civic groups will continue to host public forums around the legislature on Friday. They plan to hold three press conferences depending on the vote outcome.
The civic gatherings have reached their final day, with only a few supporters seen in the hot morning weather. However, the crowd is expected to grow in the afternoon.
The KMT legislative caucus has obtained permits for Linsen South Road and Qingdao East Road and is organizing its Blue Eagle Movement just one street away from the Bluebird Movement activities. They are rallying supporters to back the KMT's demands for "truth and anti-corruption."
Several KMT representatives are scheduled to speak throughout the event.
The Blue Eagle Movement is set to gather from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday. Supporters are participating by giving speeches or waving flags. Several tour buses are parked nearby and the crowd is expected to grow by noon.
