Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's call to abolish the Control Yuan has drawn criticism from legislator Lin Chun-hsien, who questioned Chiang's past opposition to similar constitutional amendments. Lin suggested Chiang's current stance might be politically motivated, possibly to distance himself from his aide or to position himself for a 2028 presidential bid.
KMT legislator proposed deleting the Culture Ministry's NT$47.38 million media promotion budget and cutting 60% of the film and television bureau's budget. TPP legislator Cai Chun-chu respects the proposal and urges the ministry to fully disclose procurement targets, platforms, and performance metrics to address concerns about "internet army" funding or bid-rigging.
KMT legislator Chen Yu-chen attended the Cross-Strait Forum in Xiamen and met with Chinese CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning. She presented three proposals: opening Kinmen to more mainland tourists, piloting a sales platform for Kinmen-Xiamen agricultural and fishery products, and seeking tariff reductions or exemptions for specific Kinmen-origin goods entering mainland China.
Taiwanese legislator Chiu Hui-ju criticized the Labor Standards Act's rest period rule, stating it's ineffective for busy nurses who often skip meals and rely on bubble tea for energy. She urged the Ministry of Labor to increase inspections to ensure compliance and protect healthcare workers.
KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling has proposed eliminating the Cultural Ministry's NT$47.38 million media promotion budget and significantly cutting funds for its film and music bureau. DPP legislator Wu Si-yao criticized the move, arguing it would hinder domestic cultural policy promotion, weaken cultural diplomacy, and potentially push Taiwanese cultural professionals into the Chinese market.
South Korean police have booked Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won on bribery charges for allegedly hiring the son of lawmaker Kim Byung-ki. Kim allegedly requested the hiring and later targeted a Bithumb competitor during committee proceedings.
KMT legislators criticized the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for using administrative means to restrict local government heads from attending the Cross-Strait Forum. They questioned the government's stance on democracy and cross-strait exchanges, demanding legal basis for the restrictions and accusing the MAC of political interference over public interest.
Taiwanese legislators and experts convened a hearing on Grab's proposed acquisition of foodpanda, raising concerns about market monopoly, national security risks due to alleged "red technology" ties, and the rights of delivery workers. They urged government bodies to carefully review the deal.
DPP legislator Wu Si-yao initially accused KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin of proposing a budget cut for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hsu refuted the claim, stating she did not propose the cut and even supported maintaining some funding. Wu later corrected her post and apologized to Hsu, clarifying that the proposal was from Legislators Ma Wen-chun and Weng Hsiao-ling.
Taiwanese legislator Wang Hung-wei's call to watch the K-drama 'The Iron Broom' backfired when netizens pointed out her striking resemblance to the show's villainous 'chaebol mom,' leading to online mockery and debate.
Taiwanese legislators debated proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, dubbed the "Ko Wen-je clauses," which aim to shorten pre-trial detention periods. The proposals, particularly Article 108, faced strong opposition, with concerns raised about potentially undermining criminal investigations and impacting major crime cases. The committee decided to postpone further review of Article 108 and other related amendments.
A proposed amendment to Taiwan's Criminal Procedure Law to shorten detention periods has drawn strong criticism from legislator Wu Tsung-hsien, who warns it could cripple criminal investigations, particularly for major crimes like fraud and drug trafficking, and potentially impact cross-border cases.
DPP legislator Wu Si-yao criticized KMT legislators for proposing amendments that would increase the Ministry of Education's budget by NT$63.8 billion, calling it unconstitutional and a potential collapse of the nation. She argued that the KMT is overstepping legislative boundaries and forcing the ministry to find funds for increased student loan and school lunch budgets.
Legislator Kao Chin-su-mei indicted for fraud, faces 12.5 years. Her aide, Chang Chun-chieh, also implicated in defrauding subsidies and money laundering, including nearly NT$100 million from China's Taiwan Affairs Office after the 2009 Typhoon Morakot.
Congress shifts MLAs to Karnataka to prevent cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls, alleging BJP poaching attempts with 'bags of notes'
The US Congress faces a June 12 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the FISA, but negotiations are stalled. A 45-day extension was granted in April for reforms, but none have been made. A recent Senate vote (52-47) failed to pass a 3-year renewal due to Democratic opposition triggered by President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte, a businessman without security clearance, as acting Director of National Intelligence. Critics fear Trump's history of abusing surveillance powers and his suggestion to 'gut' the ODNI, potentially firing staff from previous administrations, complicates the reauthorization, especially without reforms like warrant requirements for US person queries.
DPP legislator Chen Pei-yu criticized KMT/TPP for delaying the release of public fund expenditure data related to extended legislative sessions and trips to China. She questioned the costs of extended sessions and whether public funds were used for these trips, noting that the promised data has not yet been provided.
Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha revealed that post-election meeting instructions to applaud Abhishek Banerjee's leadership, rather than discuss defeat, was a breaking point for rebels. Dissent stems from perceived power concentration around Banerjee and 'humiliation' of senior leaders.
KMT legislator Lai Shih-pao questioned President Lai Ching-te's remarks on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident, noting it seemed contradictory to his stance on cross-strait relations. However, Lai Shih-pao expressed hope that the President's statement could facilitate dialogue with China.
KMT legislators, alongside 18 civil servant groups, announced a draft bill to institutionalize pay raises for military, civil servants, and teachers. The proposal mandates raises when CPI grows 3% or every four years, with adjustments reflecting inflation, and calls for broader representation in review committees. They aim for passage this legislative session.
Legislator Hung Yu-hsiang's request for detailed drone procurement data has sparked debate. While oversight is crucial, the level of detail could expose supply chain vulnerabilities. A balanced approach is needed to ensure transparency without compromising national security.
TMC dissolved all its committees and frontal organizations in West Bengal after rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee met the governor with support from nearly 60 MLAs, signaling a major party crisis. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent a vertical split following the party's electoral defeat.
DPP legislator Wang Ting-yu criticized KMT chair Chang Li-wen for praising Xi Jinping's goodwill and promoting anti-Taiwan independence rhetoric at a US overseas Chinese banquet. Wang accused the KMT of becoming a "United Front" organization for the CCP, questioning the existence of anti-communist factions within the party.
KMT legislator Yang Jo-Ying warned that Taiwan's AI development could be hampered by unstable energy policies, citing insufficient baseload power and the intermittent nature of solar energy. She urged the government to address the AI electricity demand and reconsider its energy mix, criticizing the current system's financial losses and potential price hikes.
