A New Legislative Session Gets Underway

*  Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (LY) began a new session February 20. Despite many new faces and a new leadership in the LY, however, a verbal war of words broke out between first-year legislators from the KMT and the DPP. Though the confrontation did not deteriorate, it was an early glimpse of what the LY has in store for the three political parties--KMT, DPP, and the TPP--in the next four years.

* As a minor party with eight seats, the TPP remains elusive on collaboration with either the KMT or DPP on key pieces of legislation. It is possibly the best strategic position for the TPP, as it strives to maintain its autonomy amidst divisive political landscape on the island. The goal is to develop TPP's grassroots organizations around the island, making it more than a party for the young, urban professionals.

* Undoubtedly, since President-elect Lai Ching Teh captured only 40% of the popular vote, the LY will be an integral part of government policymaking if the ruling DPP plans to get anything accomplished in the next four years. It won't be easy because it is now the KMT, not the DPP, that holds the largest number of seats at 54. While a KMT-DPP legislative collaboration cannot be ruled out completely, such an occasion will be few and rare. 

* Though the presidential election just concluded on January 13, it's never too early to speculate on 2026 (local mayoral elections) and 2028 (next presidential and legislative contests). Though a lot of names have been mentioned for the upcoming elections, a zillion things can happen between now and then. It can be a political thermometer for "who's in, who's out," but no one can say with any degree of certainty what, and who, will lead the pack when the time comes. therefore, let's indulge in the speculation exercise to keep the dreams alive for those aspiring participants!