Taiwan’s ‘Great Recall’ Movement: A Year Later, What Was Its Impact on Political Landscape?
Taiwan’s ‘Great Recall’ Movement: A Year Later, What Was Its Impact on Political Landscape?

One year ago, Taiwan was gripped by the unprecedented ‘Great Recall’ movement, an attempt to oust dozens of lawmakers accused of being too close to China. On Saturday, July 26, 2024, citizens in 24 districts participated in a critical vote, with another round scheduled for August 2024. This wave of recall petitions, dubbed ‘dabamian,’ aimed to reshape the balance of power in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, which saw the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) gain dominance after President William Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidency in January 2024.
The movement stemmed from widespread public outrage, particularly after opposition parties passed controversial legislation seen by many as undermining democratic institutions and potentially furthering Beijing’s influence. Thousands joined the ‘Bluebird movement’ protests in May 2024, believing the KMT, known for its friendlier stance on China, was being swayed by Beijing. While the KMT denied these accusations, suspicions were fueled by high-profile visits by KMT lawmakers to China.
The recall efforts primarily targeted KMT legislators, with 31 petitions gathering enough preliminary support to proceed to a final vote. The DPP, initially distancing itself, eventually lent its support, with President Lai urging party officials to assist pro-recall groups. This move, however, intensified accusations from the opposition that the DPP was orchestrating the movement for political gain, hoping to secure a legislative majority.
Anti-recall rallies, organized by the KMT and its allies, also drew thousands, with speakers condemning the movement as undemocratic and accusing the DPP of authoritarian tactics. The debate highlighted deep political divisions, with both sides claiming to be the true protectors of Taiwan’s democracy. The success of the recalls hinged on voter turnout, requiring more than 25% of registered voters and over half approving the ouster.
As of July 2025, the ‘Great Recall’ movement serves as a significant historical marker in Taiwan’s democratic journey. While specific outcomes of the 2024 votes varied by district, the movement undeniably amplified public discourse on legislative accountability, cross-strait relations, and the resilience of Taiwan’s democratic processes. Its legacy continues to shape political strategies and civic engagement in the nation.
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