Demonstrations are expected across Taiwan Friday in protest against a push by opposition lawmakers to pass a bill that would expand their powers and limit new President Lai Ching-te’s ability to govern in the most dangerous flashpoint in U.S.-China ties.

The changes would tighten parliament’s oversight of Lai’s government by expanding lawmakers’ investigative abilities to summon people from a range of backgrounds, including the president, to answer their questions. Individuals could be subject to fines and criminal punishment if they are found in contempt of the legislature.

Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party has vowed to fight the proposed changes, saying they aim “to undermine the constitution and disrupt government.” The opposition Kuomintang, China’s preferred negotiating partner in the chipmaking hub, said the ruling party is standing in the way of badly needed reforms.

If the DPP is right, the amendments could become a tool for the opposition to tie Lai’s government down in battles with the legislature during his four years in office. It could also impair his ability to enact policies, such as upgrading the island’s military as the U.S. has suggested.

If passed, the changes to the law would likely to go into effect soon given the KMT-led opposition controls the legislature. Outmanned, the DPP has resorted to other measures to block the bill’s passage, sparking tussles between lawmakers over the past week and likely leading to more pushing and shoving on the floor of the parliament once debate resumes Friday.

What is the opposition doing and why?

The opposition says that reform is needed to create a better balance of power between the president and the legislature. It also says the changes are in line with previous proposals by the DPP.

The KMT and its opposition partner, the Taiwan People’s Party, say the bill would create more transparency and make the government more accountable. Opposition lawmakers say that in the past officials have deliberately dodged their questions during regular appearances in the legislature, falling short in their duty to explain their actions and policies.

The opposition wants the legislature to have the power to require government officials, the military, private entities and private individuals to provide witness testimony and documents to assist in probes. Individuals or entities that don’t comply could be repeatedly fined as much as NT$100,000 ($3,100). Officials who refuse to answer questions could face penalties of as much as NT$200,000, and people found to have lied could face fines or up to a year in prison.

The law would also require the president to report to the chamber regularly and answer questions, something the opposition says will strengthen oversight of the island’s top leader.

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