Explainer-Taiwans political deadlock and the potential for new elections

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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaks at a press conference on defence spending in Taipei, Taiwan November 26, 2025. REUTERS/Yimou Lee

TAIPEI, Dec 19 - Taiwan is in a political deadlock over the government refusing to enact amendments to a local government spending law passed by the opposition-controlled parliament, saying the plan is fiscally unsound and has been done without proper consultation.

The opposition now wants to impeach President Lai Ching-te, calling him a dictator ‍for refusing ​to respect the will of the democratically elected legislature, though they lack the numbers to do ‍so. They could instead pass a no-confidence vote in Premier Cho Jung-tai that might result in new elections.

Here is what is happening and how the process could play ​out.

WHAT HAPPENED AT ​THE LAST ELECTIONS?

In January 2024, Lai, from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP),won the presidential election. But the party lost its majority in parliament to the Kuomintang (KMT) and its much smaller ally the Taiwan Peoples Party.

Given the DPP controls the presidency, it also runs the government in Taiwans ‍system.

Since the 2024 election, the opposition has used its majority to block or stymie major government proposals, such as the budget, and push their ​own legislation.

Both sides have accused the other of breaching the constitution ⁠in the current spending dispute.

In July and in August, two recall votes pushed by civic groups but supported by the DPP and taking aim at a swathe of KMT lawmakers, failed.

CAN THE OPPOSITION OUST THE PRESIDENT AND THE PREMIER?

Impeaching Lai would require the vote of