Recall bids against Opposition fail in Taiwan

Opposition lawmakers in Taiwan comfortably survived recall votes on Saturday, while an opposition-backed referendum on reviving nuclear power failed to pass.

The recalls, the second in a month, were aimed at restoring ruling party control of the legislature after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost its majority in the 2024 election. Voters rejected the removal of seven Kuomintang (KMT) legislators. A broader attempt last month to unseat 24 lawmakers from the same party also failed.

Civic groups, backed by the DPP, had pushed the recall campaigns, accusing KMT lawmakers of being too close to China and deliberately blocking government spending and legislation. The legislators strongly denied the allegations.

The results marked a second consecutive setback for the ruling party. The seven opposition lawmakers all retained their seats, as did the 24 targeted in July.

The DPP won the presidency in January but failed to secure a majority in the 113-seat legislature. The KMT, also known as the Nationalist Party, holds 52 seats, one more than the DPP. It has joined forces with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to push legislation, frustrating the ruling camp.

Referendum on nuclear power

A referendum on whether to reopen Taiwan’s last nuclear plant also failed after falling short of the legal turnout threshold, although President Lai Ching-te said the island could return to nuclear energy in future if safety standards improve.

The plebiscite, initiated by the TPP and backed by the KMT, asked whether the Maanshan power plant should be reopened if “confirmed” safe. The facility, located in Taiwan’s south, was closed in May as the government shifts towards renewables and liquefied natural gas.

According to the Central Election Commission, 4.3 million people voted in favour and 1.5 million against. However, the motion required the support of at least a quarter of all registered voters — about 5 million — to be valid.