Bluebird and opposition Blue Eagle Movement demonstrators assembled outside the Legislature as they voted to overturn the reconsideration of contested bills to expand legislative powers on Friday.
The rallies were held across the street from each other, with Bluebird demonstrators standing against passing the motion. The counter-protestors, dubbed the Blue Eagle Movement, stood in favor of the contested amendments. Despite the day’s dangerous heat, people on both sides showed up in force, with some shouting their rejection of democratic backsliding. Sporadic arguments occurred between the two sides, with Blue Eagle demonstrators crossing to the Bluebird side at one point.
Taiwan Economic Democracy Union Convener Lai Chung-Chiang (賴中強) stated that citizens will monitor seven major “regressive” bills and fight the KMT to the end. He stated that civic and environmental protection groups are needed at the frontlines to keep watch on the government and decide when to act. The seven major points include opposition to: reinstating the contested pro-China Chung T'ien Television station, restoring KMT assets, establishing a legislative-subordinate special investigation division, reinstating nuclear power, expanding the KMT’s infrastructure bill for Hualien, altering the Anti-Infiltration Act, and removing citizen’s right to recall.
Taiwan Economic Democracy Union Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Kuan-tse (許冠澤) stated it’s not reform that the civic groups oppose, but “Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) style” reform. Despite today’s outcome, Hsu says that citizen groups will gather in greater momentum to prepare for future action.