Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating new corruption allegations against Ko Wen-je, the former leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, the island’s third party. Ko, whose party holds the balance of power in the legislature, has already been charged with fraud over a real estate deal he approved as mayor of Taipei as well as misusing campaign … Read more
The leader of the party that holds the balance of power in Taiwan’s legislature is set to step down. Ko Wen-je was one of the candidates for the island’s top job in January’s election but has since been arrested on corruption charges, throwing the future of the Taiwan People’s Party – which he founded in … Read more
Taiwanese prosecutors raided the home of leading opposition politician Ko Wen-je on Friday over accusations of corruption stemming from his time as mayor of Taipei. Ko, the leader of the opposition Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), who ran against the island’s leader William Lai Ching-te in January’s election, was questioned by investigators from the Agency Against … Read more
Ko – a former Taipei mayor and leader of the Taiwan People’s Party who finished third in the presidential race in January – was detained on August 31 after investigators raided his home and office. Prosecutors said he was questioned over his alleged role in a property development during his time as the city’s mayor … Read more
They give lawmakers greater oversight powers over the executive branch, similar to those of the US Congress. They also allow deputies to request information and documents from government agencies, the military, and other bodies and individuals. The legislation also requires the president to deliver an annual address on the state of the island and respond … Read more
The following week, mainland Chinese coastguard troops boarded and searched a Taiwanese cruise ship near Quemoy. Two Taiwanese fishermen were also detained on March 18, one of whom was handed back. The other remains in mainland custody after being found to be a Taiwanese soldier. Given Quemoy’s proximity to the mainland, Taiwan would probably struggle … Read more
“I was very, very disappointed. Because the DPP will be in charge, there is a greater chance that Taiwan will go to war,” Weng, 26, said, referring to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Despite the loss, he said he remained optimistic about the TPP’s future and Ko’s chances for another presidential run in 2028. After … Read more
Lai took an early lead when counting began at 4pm, eventually finishing with 40 per cent of the total votes cast, or just under 5.6 million. The election had a turnout of 71.9 per cent – about 14 million people – slightly lower than the 74.9 per cent recorded four years ago. The result means … Read more
But even an hour into the count, some of their supporters had already accepted that it was not going to be their day. “I’m not disappointed, I knew he was unlikely to win,” one of Ko’s supporters, a 45-year-old named Huang, said. The Taipei resident who works in the logistics industry had brought his daughter … Read more
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing in our New Year Flash Sale. Counting has begun in Taiwan in one of the most closely watched elections this year. The island’s 19 million-plus voters have cast their ballots to decide who will … Read more
