Taiwan’s legislature witnessed escalating tensions as a citizenship dispute involving a newly sworn-in lawmaker disrupted a committee meeting. The confrontation highlighted growing political disagreements between government branches over legal qualifications for public office.
Taiwan People’s Party legislator Li Zhenxiu attended a session of the Legislative Yuan’s Internal Administration Committee in Taipei. However, officials from the executive branch declined to answer her questions during the meeting. As a result, Li directed her remarks toward an empty podium while demanding responses from government representatives.
Committee convenor Lee Po-yi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Progressive Party, said officials were not obligated to respond. He explained that the committee recognized Li’s right to speak while respecting the Cabinet’s legal position. Consequently, the unusual scene illustrated the continuing citizenship dispute between lawmakers and government agencies.
The situation emerged after allegations that Li failed to renounce her Chinese citizenship before taking office. Taiwanese law requires legislators of Chinese origin to meet several eligibility conditions before assuming their positions. Those conditions include formally relinquishing Chinese household registration and maintaining Taiwanese residency for specific time periods.
According to Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng, Li obtained residency in Taiwan in 1999. However, she did not submit documentation confirming the end of her Chinese household registration until March last year. Officials also said individuals from mainland China must maintain a continuous household registration in Taiwan for ten years before becoming eligible legislators.
During the committee session, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang declined to take the podium. Li repeatedly called on the minister to answer questions regarding her eligibility and the government’s position. She insisted that she serves as a legitimate legislator of the Republic of China and demanded constitutional respect.
Li also accused government agencies of prioritizing political conflict instead of addressing public welfare concerns. She criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and argued that authorities should follow constitutional principles. According to Li, the legislature must respect the rights of duly sworn lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Mei-hui responded with a constitutional argument regarding citizenship requirements. She stated that Taiwan’s Constitution does not permit dual nationality for individuals holding certain public offices. Therefore, Wang suggested that the ongoing citizenship dispute raises serious constitutional concerns.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu recently addressed the controversy while seeking legal guidance on the matter. He said Li may continue serving in the legislature until courts deliver a final ruling. That decision allows legislative procedures to continue while the judiciary evaluates the legal questions.
The dispute reflects broader political divisions within Taiwan’s parliament as parties compete for influence. Analysts say the controversy may also shape future debates over citizenship rules and eligibility standards for public office.
Looking ahead, courts will likely determine whether Li satisfies Taiwan’s legal requirements for holding legislative office. Until that decision arrives, the citizenship dispute will continue influencing political discussions inside Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan.
