Taiwan holds critical recall referendum – Deutsche Welle – July 26, 2025

Voters in Taiwan are participating in a significant referendum to potentially recall 24 lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and to hold subsequent by-elections for their seats. This high-stakes referendum could grant President Lai Ching-te’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) majority control in parliament, which it lost in the 2024 elections, despite Lai’s victory in the presidential race. This marks the first mass recall in Taiwan’s history, with seven more KMT lawmakers facing a second recall election in August. The KMT, which supports stronger economic ties with China, has 52 seats in parliament, and is criticized by some for being pro-Communist and favoring China. The KMT, in alliance with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), views this recall as a power grab. They have been accused of obstructing Lai’s policies, including reducing Taiwan’s defense budget at a time when threats from China are increasing. Chinese interference in the recall vote is also a concern, with Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warning of “visible evidence” of such attempts. The results of the recall vote, with polls closing at 4 p.m. Taiwan time (0800 UTC/GMT), could have significant implications for Taiwan’s political landscape.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-votes-in-high-stakes-recall-election/a-73419956?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf