Chaos erupted in the Taiwanese Parliament on Friday as lawmakers engaged in a violent brawl during a heated debate over proposed reforms. MPs punched, kicked, pushed, and shoved each other, leading to widespread disorder in the legislative chamber.
The scuffle broke out as the Parliament was set to debate a proposal aimed at increasing lawmakers’ oversight over government actions. Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the clash, showing MPs snatching files and running outside the chamber. Other footage showed lawmakers surrounding the speaker’s seat, jumping over tables, and pulling colleagues to the floor. The altercation persisted into the afternoon despite efforts to quell the violence.
The incident occurred just days before president-elect Lai Ching-te is scheduled to take office without a legislative majority on Monday. An Al Jazeera video depicted an MP clinging onto others and falling off during the chaos.
The brawl was reportedly between members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) over a proposed law that would criminalize officials who make false statements in parliament. Tensions were high even before lawmakers entered the House, with accusations and insults exchanged outside the chamber.
The formation of the new government is contentious, as Lai’s DPP lost its majority in parliament despite winning the January elections. The opposition KMT holds more seats than the DPP but lacks a majority and is seeking to form a coalition with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which controls eight of the 113 parliamentary seats.
