A motion to oust "president" Chen Shui-bian was launched by
opposition legislators Tuesday.
The recall motion, announced at a special session of Taiwan's
"parliament," although unlikely to pass, further turns the heat up
on Chen whose family and aides are already reeling from a series of
scandals.
The motion identifies 10 reasons to recall him including
violation of laws, creating political chaos, corruption and failing
to invigorate the economy.
This step deepens a political crisis which has pushed Chen's
public approval ratings to record lows.
Despite holding a slim majority the opposition, led by the
Kuomintang and People First Party, lacks the two-thirds required to
push the recall motion through.
But opposition lawmakers hope launching it will produce evidence
of wrongdoing and stiffen anti-Chen sentiment among the public.
Chen has seven days to respond in writing to the motion which if
passed would authorize a referendum being held on whether he should
step down. His office has said he has not yet decided as to whether
he will respond to defend himself.?
Chen's son-in-law was detained last month on suspicion of
insider trading and his wife has been accused of accepting millions
of Taiwan dollars worth of department store gift vouchers.
The "parliament" will have 15 days to deliberate the issue and
can summon witnesses.
Taiwan media reports said the entire legislature was expected to
review the motion on June 21, 22, 23 and 26 and vote on June
27.
(China Daily June 14, 2006)