Written by Helen Hai-Ning Huang. This article highlights the key provisions of the Climate Change Response Act, particularly its design, objectives, and emissions reduction targets, and dissects the historic constitutional climate lawsuit in Taiwan.
Tag: legislation
Taiwan politicians’ zero-sum mentality is the island democracy’s greatest burden
Written by Gunter Schubert. On May 20, Lai Ching-te became the fifth popularly elected president of the Republic of China, facing numerous challenges as Taiwan’s legislature’s lack of compromise hampers effective policymaking and risks paralysis. This article emphasizes the need for a culture of compromise and responsible political competition in Taiwan’s democracy.
‘Overseas Taiwanese Solidarity against Legislative Power Abuse’: Mobilising a Transnational Ally to Support Taiwan’s Democracy
Written by the Overseas Taiwanese Solidarity Against Legislative Power Abuse. A group of overseas Taiwanese formed a solidarity movement against legislative power abuse in Taiwan, addressing concerns about the opaque legislative process, subversion of the Constitution, and its detrimental impact on Taiwan’s stability and sovereignty. They aim to gather the collective voices of overseas Taiwanese, create constant pressure on the Legislative Yuan, and stand in solidarity with all the protesters in Taiwan.
Reform or Overreach? Constitutional Controversies in Taiwan’s Recent Legislative Changes
Written by You-Hao Lai. This article critically examines the procedural and substantive constitutional issues raised by Taiwan’s recent legislative reform, focusing on how the expansion of legislative power may undermine Taiwan’s democratic principles and impact the rights of private entities.
Lessons from the Strike by Taiwan Railway Workers
Written by Kuei-Chih Yang. In 2018, the Puyuma Ziqiang train derailed on Taiwan Railway, and then in 2021, the Taroko overturn accident occurred again on Taiwan Railway. Two major railway accidents happened one after another within three years. Many innocent lives were lost, and the safety management of Taiwan Railway was questioned. In March 2022, the Taiwan government proposed a draft of the “Act for Establishment of State-owned Taiwan Railway Co., Ltd.” to respond to the social demands of reforming Taiwan Railways since the accidents.
The Procrastinating Progress of Transnational Same-Sex Marriage Rights in Taiwan
Written by Annie Huang. One historical human rights progress Taiwan made happened in 2019 when the government legalised same-sex marriage. It was a rainy morning, and hundreds of LGBTI groups and activists were standing outside the Legislative Yuan waiting for results. When the president of the Legislative Yuan announced the legalisation of same-sex marriage, the rain stopped, and a rainbow appeared in the sky. People hugged and wept with joy for this historical first in Asia. However, at the same time and in the same plaza, a group of Taiwanese same-sex people burst into tears not because of happiness but because of sadness and discrimination. Transnational same-sex couples are left out of the legalisation content in the same-sex marriage bill without much reasonable reason.
Pension Reform Made in Taiwan
Written by Gunter Schubert. On June 27th, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a package of pension reforms which are, arguably, doing away with decades of privileged
Taiwan Insight 