This Tuesday, the KMT and TPP’s controversial bill expanding legislative powers passed the third reading session despite persistent protests drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators. Lawyer and convener of the Taiwan Economic Democracy Union think tank Lai Chung-chiang (賴中強) said that regardless of the outcome, the protests have showcased the resilience and determination of the Taiwanese public.
Civil groups gathered outside of the Legislature Tuesday night for the fourth time to express their dissatisfaction, with one organizer announcing that at least 70,000 people were present. Lai says that although these assemblies could not stop the Legislature from pushing the bill through, they succeeded in bringing it to the public’s attention. He says the demonstrators’ rapid response further shows Taiwanese democracy is not so easily manipulated.
Lai says he believes that going forward, no political party will dare to underestimate the power of civil society. He once again called on the Cabinet to respond to the public’s demands and file an appeal, and vowed to continue fighting against the bill.