In Taiwan, critics argue opposition's attempt to limit president's power is unconstitutional

Taiwan's legislature adjourned Tuesday without approving sweeping bills to curtail the power of new President Lai Ching-te, after thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament to oppose the legislation. Under the proposals from the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), which together command a majority in the Legislative Yuan, government officials could be jailed up to a year for remarks made during parliamentary hearings that legislators deem to conceal facts or to be false. Critics say this essentially would make lawmakers the arbiters of truth in a divided political environment. Lai represents the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as did his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. [ . . . ] Taiwan has been plunged into political turmoil just as Lai Ching-te starts his term as president. In an early threat to his presidency, the KMT and TPP are seeking to pass legislation that would dramatically expand parliamentary powers and take control of a huge slice of the budget. In Taiwan, the president does not have the power to veto bills passed by the legislature.
Read the full article here: Nikkei Asia