TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP legislative caucus on Thursday filed a judicial review challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 central government budget and recent amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, both backed by the KMT and TPP.
DPP caucus convener Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) criticized the KMT and TPP, claiming they were acting in opposition to Taiwan’s Constitution, per CNA. Ker outlined seven key reasons for the legal challenge, adding the two legislative measures undermined democratic norms and central authority.
Ker argued the approved version of the budget lacks clarity in terms of budgetary cuts, and violates the constitutional principle of separation of powers. Regarding amendments to the revenue allocation act, Ker said the changes diminish the central government’s ability to manage national funds and exacerbate the urban-rural divide by shifting fiscal power to local governments, per Tai Sounds.
When asked why the caucus did not request a temporary injunction along with the judicial review, Ker responded that if the Constitutional Court rules the budget unconstitutional, the Executive Yuan can revert to its original budget proposal to proceed with fund distribution.
Ker also addressed the NT$100 billion (US$3.3 billion) subsidy for Taipower, which was removed from the budget by the KMT and TPP. He said the government could simply reallocate the funds if the judicial review succeeds.
Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) confirmed that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has already directed the Executive Yuan to prepare its judicial review submission, and that the process is underway, Fount Media.
In response, the KMT accused the DPP of politicizing the judiciary. KMT Legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) cited former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in criticizing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), alleging that he is using the judiciary as a political tool, per RTI.
KMT Legislator Wang Yu-min (王育敏) also questioned the DPP's stance, pointing out that Lai had previously opposed centralization of financial authority when he was Tainan mayor.
Wang Hung-wei added that local governments had been notified that grants for the period between May and December are being withheld, per UDN. She added the NT$63 billion in budget cuts targeted the central government, not local authorities.
