A constitutional amendment package to marginalize the National Assembly passed its first review reading yesterday.
The package -- which was endorsed by 260 of the 271 attending deputies -- aims to transfer many of the functions of the Assembly to the Legislative Yuan starting May 20, when the term of incumbent Assembly deputies expires.
Although the Assembly would retain the power to vote on the impeachment of a president or vice president, on constitutional amendments and on proposals to redraw national boundaries, it would no longer have the right to initiate such changes by itself.
The right to formally propose such measures would be passed to the legislature.
The Assembly would also cease to be a permanent standing body, but would convene only for special sessions.
On each occasion, 300 delegates would be appointed by political parties on a proportional representation basis. The reform package was based on a consensus reached by the major political parties -- including the KMT, DPP and New Party.
The 22-member People First Party caucus is against the reform on the grounds that it was launched without a thorough consideration of the checks and balance of the government system.
PFP deputies staged a walkout at yesterday's session to express their protest after their proposal for an adjournment was rejected.
"This hasty reform may cause another constitutional crisis," warned Patrick Huang (
Despite the PFP's opposition, the marginalization package was voted through, winning the support of over 80 percent of the deputies.
"The deputies will throw their full support behind this package," said KMT Secretary-general Lin Feng-cheng (
Other proposed amendments passing the first reading included one to increase the seats in the Legislative Yuan from 225 to 250, which won 193 votes.
A proposal to set 50 percent as the vote share threshold for a candidate to be elected president was passed with 182 votes. The New Party has insisted this proposal be pushed through the first reading in exchange for their support of the marginalization plan.
Another proposed amendment, which won 230 votes, is intended to give priority to government budgets for social welfare spending and protect the benefits of retired servicemen.
Two controversial proposals to abolish the Council of Grand Justices and limit the justices' powers were screened out, winning zero and one vote respectively.
Nevertheless, another proposal targeting the grand justices will still be discussed in the second reading session. Under this proposal, grand justices could be barred from enjoying life-time privileges if they are not qualified judges.
After passing the first reading, the proposed amendments are set for a second reading on Monday. The third and final reading will follow shortly thereafter.
Second and third readings must be endorsed by at least three-quarters of the attending deputies to pass.
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