TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP lawmakers on Friday called for a vote to remove Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜).
The DPP caucus in the Legislative Yuan, led by Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), wants a leadership vote, claiming that Han is unqualified for the position of president of the legislative body, reported CNA. At a recent press conference, Ker claimed that Han's election to the office was “unconstitutional.”
With the Legislative Yuan controlled by the opposition coalition of the KMT and the TPP, such a vote is unlikely to succeed — even if it were to be held. Ker and other DPP lawmakers have responded to criticism by claiming the motion is simply a matter of principle.
The call for a leadership vote comes amid growing conflict between the Cabinet, controlled by the DPP and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), and the Legislative Yuan, controlled by the KMT and Han. The news follows reports that Lai had hopes of reconciling with Han to promote more functional, bipartisan governance.
The KMT party whip, Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), criticized the DPP caucus’ motion to oust Han on Friday, calling it disingenuous and troublesome, reported CNA. Fu added that Ker was undermining Lai’s efforts at reconciliation.