TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A legal petition in opposition to a recently passed law expanding the power of the national legislature has been submitted on behalf of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Lawyer Hong Wei-sheng (洪偉勝) was authorized by the president to submit the petition challenging the constitutionality of the reforms, and did so on Friday morning (June 28) at the Judicial Yuan. The petition seeks a judgment on the constitutionality of the laws and a preliminary injunction against them, a statement released by the presidential office said.

The law gives the legislature increased powers of investigation, and instates fines for public officials who fail to submit to questioning. It also contains the requirement that the president be invited to give a "state of the nation" style address, at which tthe president will be expected answer questions from legislators.

The controversial amendments came into effect on June 26 after physical confrontations between lawmakers on May 17, and multiple debates in the legislature. As readings of the laws progressed, tens of thousands gathered outside the national lawmaking body in opposition on multiple occasions in what came to be known as the “Bluebird Movement.”

Taiwan’s president is not required to address the legislature, though Lai said Monday (June 24) he would be willing to do so when he announced he would submit the petition against the law. He said he is willing to make the address, but will challenge the requirement that the president take questions, on the basis that it is unconstitutional.

“In the coming days, as this process of constitutional interpretation unfolds, there will be much discussion and debate among the public,” Lai said in a speech. “I am confident that this will be a reaffirmation, by Taiwanese society, of our democratic and constitutional governance, and that it will make our democratic society even more mature.”

Lai said he is not opposed to legislative reform, but said it needs to be done within the bounds of the constitution and the law. This message was repeated by Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on Friday, who said the president believes the legislature should “naturally engage in reforms.”

There is no set timetable for the Constitutional Court to issue its opinion on the controversial legal amendments. Earlier in the week, the Cabinet and legislators from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party also filed requests for the court to consider the constitutionality of the changes and an injunction.