Premier Cho Jung-tai refused to countersign amendments to the local revenue-sharing law, triggering a political standoff. The no countersign decision aims to defend the Constitution while highlighting tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
Cho said yesterday that the Cabinet would not approve changes to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures. He argued the amendments could strain central finances and bypass constitutional authority. The no countersign move marks the first time the Executive Yuan has rejected legislation outright.
The Legislative Yuan, controlled by opposition parties, previously rejected the Cabinet’s request to reconsider the amendments. Passed on December 5, the bill increases local governments’ revenue share, requiring the central government to borrow an extra NT$264.6 billion (US$8.43 billion).
Cho criticized the legislature for pushing the law without proper consultation. He said lawmakers had become an “autocratic political branch” by overstepping authority. Cho stressed that the no countersign action represents the executive’s final attempt to correct legislative wrongdoing.
He added that lawmakers could still pass a no-confidence motion to remove him. “If I am brought down by a legislature that undermines the Constitution, it would be a democratic badge of honor for me,” Cho said.
President William Lai supported the Cabinet’s concerns about fiscal sustainability. He warned that the amendments could weaken central finances, distort revenue allocation, and hinder key policy implementation. Lai also stressed that ministries must implement legislation in line with constitutional requirements.
The standoff comes amid broader institutional tensions. The Constitutional Court has been unable to function fully since January due to legislative changes requiring a larger quorum of judges. Analysts say the no countersign decision highlights increasing struggles between Taiwan’s executive and legislative branches.
Looking forward, lawmakers could respond with a no-confidence vote against Premier Cho. If the motion passes, he must resign within ten days or ask the president to dissolve the legislature. New elections would follow within 60 days.
The no countersign measure demonstrates the executive’s willingness to challenge legislative authority. It also raises questions about Taiwan’s budget planning, constitutional governance, and political stability.
