The TSU yesterday said it would back a Cabinet measure to overturn changes to the nation's budget allocation law.
A vote on the amendments -- which would give local governments an additional NT$150 billion annually from the central government's pocket -- is scheduled for tomorrow.
Still, while the TSU promised support for the DPP-led government in the legislature, it said it wouldn't reprimand members who fail to vote the party line.
"The TSU will not punish defiant members who vote against the veto action," said Lin Jih-chia (
Lin said the issue of how public money should be divided between the central and local governments raises questions about social welfare spending and shouldn't be politicized.
The legislative caucus leader also called on the Cabinet yesterday to present a revenue-allocation plan within two months as a goodwill gesture to opponents who want to see the changes to the budget allocation law stand.
"The TSU would then map out our version of a revenue allocation plan within two months to serve as a reference point for discussion and review," he said.
Lin said the TSU was supporting the Cabinet's efforts to override the amendments because they were passed without thorough debate and rushed through the previous legislature.
The changes, proposed by Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), were adopted in the final hours of the previous legislature last month.
"The revisions were pushed through on the third reading because of the then KMT-dominated legislature," Lin said.
He said the KMT was using changes to the budget allocation law to create conflict between the two levels of government.
"In addition, we feel the KMT is trying to boost its role as the leading opposition party and highlight Ma Ying-jeou's profile as a presidential candidate in the 2004 presidential election," Lin said.
"We strongly hope that both the ruling and opposition parties can handle this revenue allocation issue through reasonable discussion and negotiations and not be carried away by political partisan sentiments."
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