TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Legislative Yuan scrutinized the Judicial Yuan president and vice president nominees on Tuesday.
TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) criticized Judicial Yuan presidential nominee Chang Wen-chen (張文貞), questioning her stance on the Assembly and Parade Act and accusing her of avoiding answering about the death penalty, per NowNews. Huang also criticized Chang for failing to submit a TPP questionnaire.
Huang's comments on Judicial Yuan vice presidential nominee Yao Li-ming (姚立明) were more brief. He argued that Yao was unqualified for the role, suggesting that his nomination was a political favor from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) rather than a merit-based appointment.
Yao defended his qualifications in a written report submitted to the Legislative Yuan, per CNA. He said his nomination is subject to legislative scrutiny and conforms with the legal requirements for justices of the Constitutional Court, as outlined in the Judicial Yuan Organization Act.
He also addressed concerns regarding press freedom, acknowledging improvements in media independence but noting that media owners still exert significant control over editorial decisions.
When questioned about her position on the death penalty, Chang said the issue had already been deliberated by the Constitutional Court and was not an immediate priority. Responding to repeated inquiries from KMT Legislator Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔) about her personal views, Chang said her role required her to be neutral and separate decisions from her personal beliefs, per UDN.
Huang also pressed Chang on her failure to complete the TPP’s questionnaire and her death penalty stance, per CNA. Chang said she respected past decisions and believed it was not her place to offer a personal opinion.
The nominations of Chang and Yao have drawn significant scrutiny, especially from the opposition. Much of the criticism has focused on Yao, who has spent recent years more involved in political affairs than legal work.
There is also internal tension within the DPP, with some questioning Yao's suitability due to his involvement in political clashes. His nomination has even been compared to a "Trumpian pick" by some detractors, per UpMedia.
On the other hand, Chang, who would become the first female president of the Judicial Yuan, has garnered praise for making history. However, some have questioned why Lai did not choose an incumbent female justice, suggesting that appointing Chang over others may risk violating unwritten norms within the judicial community.
