Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) made a statement this Friday on the ongoing controversy surrounding the recent amendment to expand legislative power, which resulted in tens of thousands of protestors gathering outside the Legislature on May 21. The protest followed a brawl that took place in the Legislature on May 17, when a bill that critics say undermines the president’s powers was forcibly pushed through.
Legislature Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) has claimed that the safety of KMT legislators has been threatened. According to media outlets, Fu said he had received an anonymous tip that the DPP plans to mobilize gang members in central and southern Taiwan to harm KMT legislators. For this reason, he requested police protection for every KMT legislator.
Cho said he has asked the police department to monitor the situation, prevent any illegal activities, and protect citizens and officials. He stressed the importance of police handling all matters in a neutral manner. As for Fu’s request, Cho said members of Congress can personally request a security detail if they wish in accordance with the law.
Cho further noted that, when he recently visited Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), he reminded Han that he is responsible for protecting the safety of his colleagues and maintaining the professionalism and dignity of Cabinet members. Cho expressed his hope that the two of them could cooperate toward this end.