TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-Yu (韓國瑜) announced during a Legislature questioning session on Friday (Sept. 27) that ministers should not take leave except for overseas travel or urgent official duties, respecting the Constitution of the Republic of China.
This declaration came amid ongoing questioning of the Executive Yuan's policy report.
Economic Minister J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) has faced criticism for his repeated absences. Opposition lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, demanding an explanation and the submission of his leave request approved by Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰).
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), and head of the Council of Indigenous Peoples Tseng Chih-yung (曾智勇) also took leave for official duties.
Premier Cho led the other ministers in attendance and asked Secretary-General Chester Chou (周萬來) to report on their leave status.
The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) caucus protested inside the chamber, chanting "Condemn the Economic Minister!" and demanded accountability from J.W. Kuo.
Han emphasized that the Legislative Yuan had previously notified ministers to ensure smooth policy discussions.
The situation highlights the tension between the Legislative Yuan and the Executive Yuan, with potential implications for future legislative sessions. Observers will watch closely to see if ministers adhere to Han's directive and how this affects government operations.