Taipei: The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) voted to expel China-born lawmaker Li Chen-hsiu from the party on Monday over repeated disciplinary violations, which means she will also be removed from the Legislature.
According to Focus Taiwan, an investigation by the TPP’s Central Review Committee revealed that Li had made several statements and actions detrimental to the party’s reputation and unity. The committee’s findings highlighted unspecified “disciplinary violations” and noted that Li demonstrated a “disregard for public office.” This was exemplified when she informed TPP officials on April 7 that she would resign from her legislative seat only in exchange for money.
The expulsion of Li from the party leads to her automatic removal from the Legislature. She will be succeeded by National Cheng Kung University law professor Hsu Chung-hsin, who is next on the TPP’s party list.
Li, who made history as the first China-born naturalized Taiwan national to become a democratically elected lawmaker in Taiwan, joined the Legislature in February under the TPP’s two-year term rule for at-large legislators. Her tenure was marked by a controversy regarding her compliance with the legal process to renounce her People’s Republic of China nationality.
Despite carrying out her duties as a lawmaker, government officials refused to engage with her during Legislative sessions, citing her alleged non-compliance with legal requirements. Neither Li nor the government sought legal resolution for the impasse.
Li’s position in the TPP came under further scrutiny following a livestream claim that Ko Wen-je, TPP founder, had allegedly allocated NT$7 million (US$220,112) in party funds to Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an. Although Li later apologized, citing confusion and emotional agitation, she was subjected to a disciplinary investigation.
TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang emphasized the importance of at-large legislators fulfilling their promises to voters rather than pursuing personal interests. When questioned if Li met these expectations, Huang responded negatively.