Taiwan’s Judiciary in Turmoil: Controversial Nominee for Judiciary Chief Raises Eyebrows

The Presidential Office nominated Dr. Chen Yung-hsing as President of the Control Yuan on June 11, 2026, and released a list of 29 nominees for Control members. The nomination faces immediate opposition from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT), who have raised concerns regarding the utility of the institution and the qualifications of the candidates.

According to PTS News, the Presidential Office’s announcement included the full list of the 29 individuals proposed to serve as Control members alongside Chen. The move is intended to fill the leadership and membership of the agency responsible for government oversight and impeachment.

Why is the TPP opposing the nomination?

Huang Kuo-chang of the TPP stated he will not agree to Chen’s nomination. According to Yahoo News, Huang described the Control Yuan as a

“useless agency”

and expressed a firm refusal to support the appointment.

The opposition from the TPP aligns with broader calls for the reform or abolition of the Control Yuan, which critics argue lacks effective power to hold the executive branch accountable. Huang’s rhetoric emphasizes a belief that the agency’s current structure provides little value to government transparency.

What is the KMT’s strategy regarding the nominees?

The KMT caucus is leaning toward a “total blockade” of the nominations. Up Media reports that the party’s resistance is partly driven by the discovery that certain nominees, specifically Xie Zheng-da and Liao Wan-ru, were not recommended by the KMT.

The KMT’s decision to block the list suggests a breakdown in the traditional consultation process between the Presidential Office and the opposition parties. By pursuing a total blockade, the KMT aims to signal its rejection of the administration’s selection criteria for the oversight body.

Which nominees are facing criticism for poor performance?

Yahoo News reported that some of the individuals nominated for reappointment are those with the poorest performance records among current members. This has led media commentators to argue that the administration is rewarding officials who avoid challenging the government.

The criticism centers on the idea that the Control Yuan’s effectiveness is diminished when the most passive members are prioritized for continued service. This contrast suggests a preference for political stability over aggressive oversight of government actions.

Does Chen Yung-hsing have ties to the TPP?

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Chen’s personal and political relationships with TPP leaders Ko Wen-je and Huang Kuo-chang. While some sources suggested a private friendship, Storm Media reports that TPP member Huang Yang-ming has questioned these ties.

Huang Yang-ming pointed to a specific article written by Chen that supported a recall effort, a stance that contradicts the TPP’s political positioning. Huang Yang-ming stated that seeing Chen described as an ally left him with

“a head full of question marks.”

This discrepancy highlights a tension between Chen’s public political writings and the perceived private alliances that may have influenced his nomination. The revelation of Chen’s support for recall efforts adds a layer of political volatility to his confirmation process in the Legislative Yuan.

The nomination of Chen Yung-hsing and the 29 Control members now moves to the legislative stage, where the KMT and TPP’s stated intentions to block or oppose the appointments could lead to a prolonged vacancy in the Control Yuan’s leadership.