All eyes are on the Legislature in anticipation of their third meeting regarding recent amendments related to the powers of Congress, which is set to take place this Tuesday. In a meeting with visiting members of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America (TCCNA) on Monday, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expressed his hope that legislative proceedings can move forward without mishap.
Last Friday, an estimated total of more than 100,000 demonstrators gathered around the Legislature as lawmakers continued to deliberate on the controversial congressional reform bill passed on May 17. Friday’s gathering followed the first protest on May 21, which also saw tens of thousands of people in attendance. Opponents of the bill believe it was unfairly rushed through the voting processes, and call the content of the bill too wide in scope and lacking in the necessary checks and balances that would prevent abuse.
Cho, who is scheduled to visit the Legislature on Friday to deliver a policy address and conduct a general inquiry, said his fellow Cabinet members have had consultations with various committees in the Legislature in recent days, and he has been watching closely in preparation for his upcoming inquiry. Cho said he hoped that both sides of the Legislature can continue negotiations respectfully and in good faith and that protestors will not feel the need to gather once again to make their opinions heard.