The top government watchdog, the Control Yuan, has voted to impeach Tainan Mayor William Lai.
On Tuesday, the Control Yuan voted to impeach Lai by a 7-2 margin for his failure to attend Tainan City Council meetings. However, it remains unclear what disciplinary measures he faces.
According to the constitution, Lai’s case will now be turned over to the Commission on the Disciplinary Sanctions of Public Functionaries for review. The commission will decide whether to discipline the mayor. The harshest punishment he could face would be to have his position revoked.
Lai has said he will not attend any of the city council’s meetings until vote-buying allegations against Council Speaker Lee Chuan-chiao have been addressed through the judicial system. Lee was indicted on vote-buying charges in early April, but was released on NT$15 million (US$473,190) bail by the court.
In response to the impeachment, Lai said that the dispute is a political case, and the Control Yuan does not have the right to intervene in local government affairs. He also said the Control Yuan's action is unconstitutional and smacks of partisan politics.
Meanwhile, Tainan City Council Speaker Lee said the rule of law is the foundation of democracy. He also called on Lai to follow the law. But an official with the Democratic Progressive Party, Yen Chun-tso criticized the Control Yuan’s move, saying that Lai is safeguarding democratic values and exposing corruption.