Criticizing KMT for "fake ball" tactics, Chung says lower amendment threshold if truly wanting to abolish Control Yuan

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan is currently holding a public hearing for the confirmation of nominees to the Control Yuan, an independent government watchdog body. The potential for a vacancy in the Control Yuan's membership starting August 1 has intensified political debate, particularly concerning the opposition's stance on these appointments.

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If the opposition truly wants to abolish the Control Yuan, they should not play fake ball tactics but cooperate to lower the threshold for constitutional amendments first.

Chung Chia-pin, a legislator from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), accused the opposition, primarily the Kuomintang (KMT), of engaging in "fake ball" tactics. He criticized their approach of scrutinizing nominees and threatening to cut the Control Yuan's budget, effectively paralyzing the institution. Chung highlighted that while the DPP has consistently advocated for abolishing the Control Yuan to implement a separation of powers, the KMT's party charter still upholds the five-power constitution, which includes the Control Yuan.

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The DPP has always advocated for abolishing the Examination and Control Yuan to implement a separation of powers, while the KMT's party charter still adheres to the five-power constitution.

Chung pointed to historical precedent, recalling a similar situation in 2005 when the opposition heavily scrutinized nominees, leading to a three-and-a-half-year stalemate. He argued that if the opposition is sincere about abolishing the Control Yuan, they should collaborate on lowering the constitutional amendment threshold. This high bar requires a three-fourths majority in the Legislative Yuan and approval in a national referendum, making amendments extremely difficult.

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The opposition's current actions of cutting the budget and blocking nominations effectively paralyze the Control Yuan.

He further contended that the KMT's current actions contradict their past positions. Chung presented evidence from his 1996 election campaign, where he advocated for abolishing the National Assembly and establishing a three-branch system. He stressed that the Legislative Yuan's recent decision to cut the Control Yuan's budget by 96% and eliminate human rights-related funding will halt essential functions like oversight and anti-corruption efforts if the vacancies are not filled. Chung urged the opposition to engage in serious discussions about constitutional reform, starting with lowering the amendment threshold, if they truly wish to abolish the Control Yuan.

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The high threshold for constitutional amendments, requiring three-fourths of legislators present and voting, and a referendum with over half the electorate's approval, makes it extremely difficult.