Taiwan protests, party clashes test Lai's leadership

A new wave of political wrangling between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties that has involved street protests and lawmakers tussling adds to questions about President Lai Ching-te's ability to govern.

On Dec 20, lawmakers engaged in tense scenes at the door to the legislature. Members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) piled desks, chairs and other furniture to block the entrance, while Kuomintang (KMT) legislators pushed and shoved to get past them.

Video clips also showed protesters gathering outside the legislature to voice displeasure with plans by the KMT to push forward legal changes that they fear will undercut Mr Lai's government.

On the night of Dec 19, several thousand people gathered peacefully - a much smaller number than at the protests that erupted in May over an effort led by the KMT to expand the legislature's powers that eventually failed.