Premier Cho Jung-tai is once again moving to block a bill that the legislature has already passed. This time, it’s about changes to pensions for civil servants and teachers. Supporters of the bill say it’ll put a stop to gradual cuts to benefits for retired civil servants.
But the Cabinet says the amendments would cost taxpayers more. Now the Cabinet says the Premier will approve the pension bill, but will FIRST ask the courts to rule on whether it’s constitutional.
Michelle Lee (CABINET SPOKESPERSON):
Now that the Constitutional Court has resumed normal operations
once the Presidential Office gives approval
the Cabinet will fulfill its obligations and responsibilities.
We will sign the bill into effect
and immediately ask the justices for an interpretation
and allow the constitutional process
to produce a final judgement
thereby upholding the Constitution.
REPORTER:
This is different from how the Cabinet blocked a different bill earlier this month. For that one, the Premier simply refused to sign it, keeping it from taking effect.
This time, the Cabinet’s hoping the Constitutional Court will block the bill for it. The Court recently revived itself after it ruled amendments to how it functions unconstitutional, freeing it up to issue decisions after nearly a year.
BUT the court’s processes are still very much uncertain. Opposition parties are suing the justices who made that ruling. And they're trying to impeach the premier and the President. So the Cabinet’s plan to fall back on the court may also run into issues.
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