Taiwan’s Political Tangle: ‘Great Recall’ Movement Targets Lawmakers

Intermediate | July 25, 2025

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Taiwan’s Political Puzzle

The Taiwan KMT lawmakers recall is at the center of an intense political standoff that could reshape the island’s future.

A Divided Government

Taiwan is currently dealing with a major political challenge: its government is divided. President Lai Ching-te’s party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), lost its majority in parliament during recent elections. Currently, the main opposition parties—KMT, TPP, and their allies—hold a slim majority with 62 of 113 seats. This situation has created a legislative “gridlock,” meaning it’s very hard for the government to pass new laws or carry out its plans.

Why the Gridlock Matters

This political standstill has blocked many important government projects from moving forward. For example, crucial defense spending, which is vital for Taiwan’s security, remains stuck due to the standoff. The DPP sees this as obstruction, making it difficult for President Lai to push forward his policy goals. In particular, national defense initiatives remain stalled.

The “Great Recall” Movement

Targeting Lawmakers in the Taiwan KMT Lawmakers Recall

Because of this gridlock and perceived obstruction, a new and large movement called the “Great Recall” has started. This movement is working to remove KMT lawmakers from their positions through public voting. It’s quite significant: more than two dozen KMT legislators are facing votes to recall them. Some votes are set for July 26, 2025, and others for August 23, 2025. This is an unprecedented event in Taiwan’s recent political history.

Accusations and Responses

Groups supporting the recalls, including civic organizations and the DPP, accuse the KMT lawmakers of being “pro-China.” They claim these lawmakers are trying to weaken Taiwan’s constitutional rules and its ability to defend itself from Beijing. Supporters claim the lawmakers tried to give parliament more power, blocked the Constitutional Court from functioning, and cut key government budgets—especially those for defense and the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

However, the KMT strongly disagrees. They say they are just doing their job by carefully checking government policies and making sure there are proper checks and balances in place. The KMT believes the recall campaigns are politically motivated. They argue that the DPP is attempting to regain full control of the parliament—an effort the KMT describes as a move toward dictatorship. If six or more KMT lawmakers are successfully recalled, the DPP could potentially win back legislative control through new elections, allowing President Lai to move forward with his agenda. To succeed, a recall needs more than 25% voter turnout in a specific area and more votes to remove the lawmaker than to keep them. Meanwhile, the KMT’s own recall attempts against DPP lawmakers have largely failed to gain traction.

Vocabulary

Gridlock (noun): A situation where no progress can be made, typically due to opposing forces.
- Example: “The political gridlock prevented any new laws from being passed.”
Parliamentary (adjective): Relating to a parliament or legislature.
- Example: “The parliamentary elections changed the balance of power.”
Majority (noun): The greater number or part; more than half of the total.
- Example: “The ruling party lost its majority in the recent vote.”
Hinder (verb): To create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction.
- Example: “Lack of funds will hinder the project’s completion.”
Unprecedented (adjective): Never done or known before.
- Example: “The level of public support was unprecedented.”
Accuse (verb): To charge (someone) with an offense or crime.
- Example: “They accused him of not following the rules.”
Undermine (verb): To lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously.
- Example: “His constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.”
Scrutinize (verb): To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
- Example: “The committee will scrutinize the new budget proposal.”
Constituency (noun): A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.
- Example: “She spent time campaigning in her home constituency.”
Refute (verb): To prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove.
- Example: “He tried to refute the allegations against him with strong evidence.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main reason for the political gridlock in Taiwan, according to the article?
What is the “Great Recall” movement, and which political party is its main target?
What are some of the specific accusations made against the KMT lawmakers by those supporting the recalls?
How does the KMT defend itself against these accusations?
What would be the political consequence if six or more KMT lawmakers are successfully recalled?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why is a divided government sometimes seen as a challenge for a country?
What are the benefits of having different political parties with different ideas in a democracy?
How important do you think national defense spending is for a country like Taiwan?
Do you think recall movements are a good way for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with politicians? Why or why not?
What is the importance of “checks and balances” in a government? Can you think of an example from your own country?

Related Idiom

To be at a standstill

Meaning: A situation in which no progress can be made; a halt.
Example: Negotiations for the new trade agreement are at a standstill due to disagreements between the two nations.

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This article was inspired by: CNN, July 23, 2025.