TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) delivered a sharp rebuke Thursday (July 31) during a Cabinet meeting. Taiwan's cabinet found constitutional and legal flaws in a recently passed special cash distribution act. The Executive Yuan (行政院) raised alarm over the Legislative Yuan's Taiwan's parliament decision to dramatically increase government spending without securing funding sources.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) plans to promulgate the controversial act Friday (Aug. 1) despite the cabinet's constitutional concerns. Taiwan's cabinet intends to propose a constitutional interpretation at an appropriate time and will amend the legislation after the United States finalizes its tariff rates on Taiwan. Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) stated that the cabinet would not reconsider the cash distribution portion, but future amendments depend on U.S. tariff results.
The premier emphasized Taiwan's cabinet priorities: restoring disaster-hit areas in central and southern Taiwan, engaging in crucial tariff negotiations with the United States, and fostering dialogue between political parties on future legislative issues. Lee addressed media inquiries by reiterating that the cash distribution aspect violates Taiwan's Constitution. The Executive Yuan will propose a constitutional interpretation when necessary to resolve the dispute. ◼