Premier Refuses To Countersign More Bills As Political Deadlock Deepens
By Luffy Li/Tiffany Wong
Taiwan’s political deadlock deepens as Premier Cho Jung-tai refuses to countersign two more opposition-backed bills. One would fund savings accounts for children, with the government depositing about US$1,800 a year until they turn 18. The Cabinet says the measure is unconstitutional and argues that national policy should be formulated by the executive branch. The premier also refused to countersign a bill easing restrictions on government, political parties and their affiliates investing in radio and TV channels. It is the seventh bill blocked through a refusal to countersign since December. Opposition lawmakers accuse the Cabinet of double standards, while ruling party lawmakers blame the legislative process.
In a statement, the Cabinet announces that Premier Cho Jung-tai has decided not to allow a bill that would fund savings accounts for children to become law.
The opposition-backed policy would have the government deposit about $1,800 US dollars a year into savings accounts for children until they turn 18, as part of an effort to address Taiwan’s falling birthrate.
The Cabinet says the bill is unconstitutional, arguing that the executive branch – not the legislature, is responsible for formulating national policies. It also said similar measures are already in place, set to be implemented next year.
But opposition lawmakers say the decision shows double standards.
LIU SHU-PIN, LEGISLATOR (TPP) (Taipei)
This clearly demonstrates the premier's double standards. Why? Because at the same time we saw the Cabinet announce 18 new measures to address the population issue.
On Monday, the Premier also refused to countersign another bill that would ease restrictions on the government, political parties and their affiliates investing in radio and TV channels.
It is the seventh bill the Premier has blocked by refusing to countersign since December, an approach that had never been used before.
SRA KACAW, LEGISLATOR (KMT) (Taipei)
All I can say is the Cabinet won't countersign anything it doesn't want to do. This has become the norm.
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party say the issue is not with the intent of the legislation, but the legislative process.
CHUANG JUI-HSIUNG, LEGISLATOR (DPP) (Taipei)
Both versions are meant to address the same issues. But you may wonder why the ruling and opposition parties couldn't come to a consensus? This is the most regrettable part.
The key point is the opposition wanted to take credit and claim it was passed because of them.
This is not the first time the Premier has refused to countersign legislation... and with the opposition in control of the legislature for the next two years... it may not be the last.
