Taiwan opposition passes contentious bill to empower legislature

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's opposition parties on Tuesday forced through a contentious bill to enhance the powers of the legislature, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation with President Lai Ching-te's government, protesters and potentially the courts.

The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and its smaller partner, the Taiwan People's Party, hastily voted through a bill that adds a "contempt of parliament" offense to the criminal code, requires the president to report to parliament and answer questions, and enables lawmakers to ask the military, companies and individuals to share information.