Weng Hsiao-ling fiercely criticizes Cho Jung-tai, calling him unfit to address the Legislative Yuan
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling fiercely criticized Premier Cho Jung-tai, accusing him of violating the law and being unfit to address the Legislative Yuan.
- Weng alleged that the Executive Yuan, led by Cho, is disrespecting the legislature and refusing to administer the law, comparing their actions to those of an autocratic state.
- The heated exchange saw a ministry official publicly defend Premier Cho, calling him 'the best premier.'
In a dramatic confrontation within the Legislative Yuan, Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Weng Hsiao-ling launched a scathing attack on Premier Cho Jung-tai, declaring him unfit to appear for questioning due to alleged legal violations and disrespect for the legislative body. Weng's fiery rhetoric accused the Executive Yuan of "contempt for the legislature" and a refusal to "administer the law," painting a picture of governmental overreach that she likened to autocratic regimes. The legislator specifically targeted Premier Cho for repeatedly proposing and failing to pass review motions, calling him "uniquely" unwilling to step down despite repeated legislative rebuffs.
Weng's criticism extended to President Lai Ching-te, accusing the pair of orchestrating a "duet" to "bully the majority public opinion" and acting in ways "unthinkable in any rule-of-law country." She further alleged that Cho is consolidating power across executive, legislative, and judicial branches, arbitrarily interpreting constitutionality, selectively adhering to laws, and failing to make necessary nominations. This strong condemnation from a legal professional highlights a deep-seated concern within some legislative circles about the current administration's adherence to constitutional norms and the separation of powers.
The tension reached a peak when, after Weng concluded her questioning of other ministers, an official from the Executive Yuan's side loudly retorted, "Premier Cho is the best premier!" This public defense underscored the sharp divisions and high stakes of the current political climate. From Taiwan's perspective, as represented by publications like Liberty Times, such legislative battles are not merely procedural disputes but fundamental debates about the integrity of democratic governance, the rule of law, and the accountability of the executive branch to the people's representatives. The intensity of Weng's language and the passionate defense from the official demonstrate the deeply polarized political landscape and the significant national interest in upholding constitutional principles.
Premier Cho is the best premier!
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.