A: Hey there! Did you catch the latest news?

B: Nah, what's up?

A: So, voters in Taiwan stopped a bid to remove 24 lawmakers from the KMT party!

B: No way! What happened?

A: Well, there were calls by civic groups claiming that the KMT was involved in Beijing's influence operation. But it looks like they didn't get enough votes for the recall.

B: Oh, and how many seats does the KMT have now?

A: They still hold 52 out of 113 seats. The ruling party, DPP, only has 51 seats.

B: That's close! So, what about these budget cuts they've been making?

A: Yeah, the KMT and another opposition party have cut the budget, even defense spending. It's tough for the minority DPP government to do its job with all that.

B: I see... And what does this mean for President Lai?

A: Well, it's a big setback for him, I think. Another seven KMT lawmakers are going to face recall votes soon too.

B: That's bad news... But if the DPP can dismiss those lawmakers and win by-elections, they could gain a majority.

A: Yeah, but it'll be an uphill battle for them either way. Seems like things are going to stay interesting in Taiwan!
----------------

Voters in Taiwan rejected a bid to remove 24 lawmakers from the largest opposition party Kuomintang, or KMT, in a recall election on Saturday.



Taiwan's Central Election Commission said the number of votes against the recall exceeded those in favor in all the electoral districts that the 24 lawmakers represent.



The recall election was held following calls by civic groups. They argue that the KMT has been involved in Beijing's infiltration operation aimed at expanding its influence in Taiwan.



The KMT currently holds 52 seats in the 113-member parliament, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, of President Lai Ching-te holds only 51.



The KMT, together with another opposition party, has imposed budget cuts, that include a reduction in defense spending.



The minority DPP government is facing difficulty in implementing its agenda.



The outcome of Saturday's election is seen as voters' approval of the opposition majority in parliament, and a major blow to President Lai.



Another seven KMT lawmakers are set to face recall votes on August 23.



The DPP could gain a majority if many KMT lawmakers are dismissed and if it wins at least six seats in by-elections to fill vacancies caused by the recall vote.



But an uphill battle is expected for the minority government.
----------------

Quiz 1:
In Taiwan, a recall election was held against how many lawmakers from the opposition party Kuomintang (KMT)?
A. 7
B. 24
C. 30
D. 50

Answer: B

Quiz 2:
Which political party holds a majority in Taiwan's parliament?
A. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
B. Kuomintang (KMT)
C. Both A and B have equal seats
D. Another opposition party

Answer: A

Quiz 3:
The KMT, along with another opposition party, has imposed budget cuts that include a reduction in which sector's spending?
A. Healthcare
B. Education
C. Defense
D. Agriculture

Answer: C