Legislative Yuan

Premier Chuo Rong-tai has announced his refusal to countersign and promulgate
amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures passed
by the Legislative Yuan last month.

Chuo said at a press conference this afternoon that the amended law
"infringes upon the rights of the Executive branch," and that the amendment
process "violated democratic principles of openness, transparency, and
substantive deliberation."

The Premier also said that if the government carries out the law, it would
"cause irreparable and serious harm to national development."

The decision prevents the amended bill from taking effect and has sharply
escalated tensions between the Cabinet and the Legislature.

This is the first time ever in the nation's constitutional history that a
Premier has chosen not to follow the procedures stipulated in the 37th
article of the Constitution.

The article says the President shall, in accordance with law, promulgate laws
and issue mandates with the counter-signature of the leader of the Executive
Yuan.

(JL)