Recall Bid in Taiwan Advances

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian faced growing pressure today from an opposition campaign to recall him because of allegations of corruption against his family and former aides.

The legislature held a special session Tuesday to start a long, complex process to oust Chen, who has served for six years and has two left in his second term. He has repeatedly denied the graft allegations.

Legislators voted 113 to 96 to have a screening committee, including opposition and ruling-party members, begin hearings on whether Chen should be recalled.

He has one week to release a statement defending himself.

The screening committee is to begin legislative debate June 21 on Chen’s future. Lawmakers are to vote six days later on whether to hold a public referendum on recalling the president.

The opposition, which has a slim majority in the legislature, is expected to have difficulty mustering enough support for a referendum in the 225-seat body. It needs a two-thirds majority to pass a motion to send the recall issue to voters.

But one of the biggest potential dangers for the president would be a large bloc of lawmakers from his Democratic Progressive Party defecting and joining the opposition. Party loyalty is traditionally shaky in Taiwan, and lawmakers frequently switch sides.

The opposition has been urging ruling-party lawmakers to break with the president and save their party from being dragged down by the corruption scandals.

But the ruling party has accused the opposition of politicizing legal issues that should be handled by the judicial system.

Although Chen hasn’t been implicated, his relatives and former aides are accused of using his influence for financial gain.

Chen’s son-in-law, physician Chao Chien-min, was arrested last month on suspicion of insider trading.

The opposition has accused first lady Wu Shu-chen of involvement in illicit business deals and accepting favors from businesses.