Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (
"If the verdict made by the Council [of Grand Justices 大法官會議 ] says the decision was in violation of the Constitution, then the premier should demonstrate his sense of responsibility by resigning and the Cabinet should be reshuffled," DPP lawmaker Hsu Tain-tsair (許添財) said yesterday, adding that it was time for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to resolve the political standoff between the executive and legislative branches.
"Under the current political circumstances, it is difficult to normalize the relationship between the executive and legislative departments as Chang has been branded persona non grata by lawmakers ? The political impasse has to be resolved to facilitate the government's operation, and I think the time has come," Hsu said.
DPP lawmaker Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄), echoed Hsu, saying it might be a chance for the government to reverse its unfavorable situation if the council rules that the decision was in violation of the Constitution.
"[If the Council rules against the Cabinet's decision], it could be deemed a favorable turn for the government ? Chen could seize the chance to display his sincerity to the KMT by reshuffling the Cabinet and paying a visit to KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) to seek his advice," said Shen.
"Though the KMT might reject Chen's goodwill, it would be a good opportunity for Chen to pave the way for a possible coalition government after the legislative election this December."
Opposition members also shared this point of view.
KMT Legislator Chen Horng-chi (
"Chen should take the chance to express his friendliness to the opposition ? and I think the gesture would show the president's resolve to end the bitter political struggle as well as to enhance the public's confidence in the government," Chen Horng-chi said.
But, when asked if it would be an occasion to form a coalition government, which would entail a selection of Cabinet members through bipartisan negotiations, very few legislators were keen on the proposal.
"I don't consider it a pragmatic initiative at present because the opposition might not want to assume part of the responsibility for the ongoing political chaos with the ruling DPP, and it is very important for the DPP to prove itself a reliable government by shouldering all responsibilities alone," said Hsu.
Sharing Hsu's opinion, Chen Horng-chi said he would not favor the suggestion especially because with the legislative elections approaching, a coalition government wouldn't be advantageous for the KMT because of the present poor performance of the Cabinet.
In related news, the Council of Grand Justices, in a bid to expedite the ruling, yesterday held a provisional meeting to forge a consensus.
But Yang Jen-shau (楊仁壽), secretary-general of the Judicial Yuan, was tight-lipped when questioned about the ruling, saying only that he hoped the public would allow the Council space to ponder the issue.
Conflict with Taiwan could leave China with “massive economic disruption, catastrophic military losses, significant social unrest, and devastating sanctions,” a US think tank said in a report released on Monday. The German Marshall Fund released a report titled If China Attacks Taiwan: The Consequences for China of “Minor Conflict” and “Major War” Scenarios. The report details the “massive” economic, military, social and international costs to China in the event of a minor conflict or major war with Taiwan, estimating that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could sustain losses of more than half of its active-duty ground forces, including 100,000 troops. Understanding Chinese
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday said it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, and would continue to cooperate with democratic allies and work together for regional and global security, stability, and prosperity. The remarks came after the US on Saturday launched a series of airstrikes in Venezuela and kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was later flown to New York along with his wife. The pair face US charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied the allegations. The ministry said that it is closely monitoring the political and economic situation
UNRELENTING: China attempted cyberattacks on Taiwan’s critical infrastructure 2.63 million times per day last year, up from 1.23 million in 2023, the NSB said China’s cyberarmy has long engaged in cyberattacks against Taiwan’s critical infrastructure, employing diverse and evolving tactics, the National Security Bureau (NSB) said yesterday, adding that cyberattacks on critical energy infrastructure last year increased 10-fold compared with the previous year. The NSB yesterday released a report titled Analysis on China’s Cyber Threats to Taiwan’s Critical Infrastructure in 2025, outlining the number of cyberattacks, major tactics and hacker groups. Taiwan’s national intelligence community identified a large number of cybersecurity incidents last year, the bureau said in a statement. China’s cyberarmy last year launched an average of 2.63 million intrusion attempts per day targeting Taiwan’s critical
AGING: As of last month, people aged 65 or older accounted for 20.06 percent of the total population and the number of couples who got married fell by 18,685 from 2024 Taiwan has surpassed South Korea as the country least willing to have children, with an annual crude birthrate of 4.62 per 1,000 people, Ministry of the Interior data showed yesterday. The nation was previously ranked the second-lowest country in terms of total fertility rate, or the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime. However, South Korea’s fertility rate began to recover from 2023, with total fertility rate rising from 0.72 and estimated to reach 0.82 to 0.85 by last year, and the crude birthrate projected at 6.7 per 1,000 people. Japan’s crude birthrate was projected to fall below six,
RSS