Taiwan premier's report blocked in stormy opening legislative session
Rowdy opposition lawmakers stop Jiang delivering opening-session report, in showdown over KMT attempt to sack legislature's speaker
Taiwan's rowdy opposition lawmakers yesterday stopped Premier Jiang Yi-huah delivering a government administrative report during the opening of the new legislative session.
In a chaotic, day-long showdown between the ruling Kuomintang and the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, Jiang failed to make it to the podium as the opposition lawmakers blasted him and President Ma Ying-jeou for the controversial handling of an alleged case of influence-peddling.
"You have violated the constitution. Step down Ma Ying-jeou and Jiang Yi-huah," shouted a dozen DPP lawmakers dressed in black to protest at what they claimed was abuse of the constitutional and political systems.
Ma had demanded that the KMT disciplinary committee expel Wang Jin-pyng, who enjoys amicable relations with many DPP members, in a bid to strip him of his post as speaker. Ma accused Wang, a long-time rival, of illegally lobbying on behalf of DPP legislative caucus whip Ker Chien-ming over a breach-of-trust case.
Jiang followed suit by questioning Wang's political credibility, suggesting that the speaker should resign.
However, on Friday, Wang won a court injunction to temporarily freeze the KMT order, enabling him to remain as speaker.
An embarrassed Jiang, who did not bow to or make eye contact with Wang, was forced to remain in his seat as the DPP lawmakers took turns to criticise him and Ma.