Taiwan’s Constitutional Court has ruled that many provisions in revised laws aimed at expanding the power of the legislature are unconstitutional, in a setback to Taiwan’s opposition parties.
The revisions were passed in May by a majority vote of the main opposition party, the Kuomintang, and the Taiwan People’s Party. The revisions require the president to make regular reports to legislators and face questions from them.
President Lai Ching-te and lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party argued that the amendments were unconstitutional and asked the Constitutional Court to review them.
In the ruling on Friday, the court determined that the president is not obliged to report to the legislature and answer questions from it.
The court said these provisions were invalid because they violate the separation of powers as written in the Constitution.
In a post on social media, President Lai said he expects relevant entities to comply with the ruling and protect the constitutional system and people’s basic rights.
The Kuomintang reacted sharply, claiming the ruling will weaken the power of the legislature and compromise Taiwan’s democracy.