Taiwan Premier declines to countersign children's account and cable TV laws

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has declined to countersign the ‘Taiwan Children's Growth and Future Account Ordinance’ and the ‘Cable Television Act,’ sparking a constitutional dispute between the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan.

The Executive Yuan argues that the children's account ordinance violates the principle of separation of powers by interfering with existing population policies and budgets. Officials also raised concerns that the ordinance could widen the wealth gap and violates tax legality principles regarding corporate sponsorships. Regarding the Cable Television Act, the administration cited potential inconsistencies with previous rulings on satellite broadcasting laws and concerns over equality principles.

Opposition parties, including the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party, have condemned the decision. They accused the administration of overstepping executive authority, disregarding the legislative majority, and undermining democratic constitutional order. Critics argued that the government should follow formal reconsideration procedures rather than using non-countersignature to block passed legislation.