Taiwan opposition proposes 6 referendums tied to local elections; mayor stresses legislative process

A political standoff is emerging in Taiwan as opposition parties, specifically the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have put forward six referendum proposals to be bundled with the year-end local elections. Among the contentious proposals are calls to abolish the "non-nuclear homeland" policy and to legalize euthanasia, measures that have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih addressed the controversy, emphasizing the procedural requirements for such initiatives. He stated that all referendum proposals must first navigate the established procedures within the Legislative Yuan. According to Hou, all related administrative operations will strictly adhere to the resolutions made by the legislature, ensuring a structured approach to the process.

When questioned about the specific proposals, such as abolishing nuclear power and legalizing euthanasia, Hou reiterated his stance on legislative oversight. He stressed the importance of the Legislative Yuan's role in allowing the public to understand the full context and implications of these issues before any further action is taken. His comments underscore a call for deliberation and adherence to established political processes amidst the push for referendums.