In Photos: Not just India, Taiwan's parliament also erupts into a brawl

President Lai Ching-te's party tried to block the passage of bills they say could harm the self-ruled island's “democratic system”

Updated on: Dec 20, 2024 8:07 PM IST

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On Friday, Taiwanese lawmakers engaged in a chaotic altercation, tackling and throwing water at each other, as President Lai Ching-te's party sought to block the passage of bills they argue could threaten the self-ruled island's "democratic system." (AP)

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Politicians from Lai's Democratic Progressive Party had occupied the podium of the parliament's main chamber since Thursday night and barricaded themselves inside.(AP Photo)

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Taiwan opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin tried to break the lock to the Parliament after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) locked themselves inside overnight over the third reading of amendments to the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act and other controversial bills (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP) (AFP)

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Ruling and opposition lawmakers fought on the legislature floor in Taiwan. They exchanged punches and threw water at each other ahead of an expected vote. (AP Photo)

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The DPP parliamentarians were attempting to stop three legal amendments which would make it more difficult for voters to oust elected officials who they see as unfit. (AP Photo)

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"At a time when Taiwan's democracy is being violated and damaged, we must stand up and take action," said the DPP about their resistance towards the amendments  (AP)

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DPP lawmakers also referred to the opposition's plan as a means to undermine democracy and create a "parliamentary dictatorship," 

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Opposition legislators and ruling legislators chanted slogans against each other during the debate. The opposition claims the bills to make it harder to remove public officials would also serve to curb corruption. However, DPP lawmakers fear the amended laws could weaken Taiwan's democracy against the influence of China. (AFP)