Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an Proposes Three-Step Plan to Abolish Control Yuan, Sparking KMT Internal Debate

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has proposed a three-step approach to abolish Taiwan's Control Yuan, an oversight body, intensifying debate within the ruling opposition Chinese Unification Party (KMT). Chiang's plan involves first rejecting all nominees for Control Yuan positions, then freezing the institution's budget, and finally pursuing constitutional amendments to formally abolish it. Chiang argues that the Control Yuan has failed to fulfill its original supervisory mandate and has become a tool for political patronage, citing examples such as the handling of food safety scandals and cases affecting ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials. He contends that the institution now serves as a means to whitewash specific political figures rather than impartially investigate government misconduct.

The proposal comes as 29 Control Yuan members' terms expire in late July, requiring the DPP government to submit new nominees for legislative confirmation. Chiang has called on KMT legislators to collectively reject the DPP's nominees as a first step toward freezing the institution's operations. He emphasizes that the public recognizes the Control Yuan's dysfunction and supports reform efforts. Chiang also stated that he has communicated the proposal to Taipei's five KMT legislators and respects the party caucus's decision-making authority, expressing confidence in reaching party consensus on the issue.

However, the KMT party caucus has responded cautiously to Chiang's initiative. Party spokesman Niu Xuting acknowledged that the procedural barriers to abolishing the Control Yuan are substantial. Constitutional amendments require approval from three-quarters of legislative members and must be ratified through a nationwide referendum, making implementation a protracted process. The KMT party caucus noted that while internal discussions are ongoing, consensus-building within the party remains necessary before any decisive action can be taken. This reflects broader disagreement within the KMT itself regarding the feasibility and desirability of the proposal.

Chiang's initiative diverges somewhat from the KMT party leadership's cautious stance, though he maintains that the party caucus possesses significant operational autonomy. The proposal has drawn comparisons to similar positions held by the DPP, which has historically questioned the Control Yuan's independence. The debate underscores ongoing tensions within Taiwan's political landscape regarding institutional reform and government oversight mechanisms.