TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Constitutional Court agreed on Thursday to review the Control Yuan’s 2025 budget.

The Control Yuan argued that a 96% reduction to its operating budget severely hampers its ability to function, raising concerns about the constitutionality of the cuts, per CNA. The government oversight agency contends the legislature is effectively attempting to dismantle the Control Yuan through budgetary means.

While the constitutional review moves forward, the opposition continues to criticize the Control Yuan over recent allegations involving unauthorized personal use of government vehicles. Control Yuan Secretary-General Lee Chun-yi (李俊俋) was the first official implicated in the scandal, followed by members Su Li-chiung (蘇麗瓊) and Lin Yu-jung (林郁容), per NOWNews.

In response, Control Yuan Vice President Lee Hung-chun (李鴻鈞) said that beginning June 2 the use of state-owned vehicles by Control Yuan personnel will be suspended until July 31, 2026, per Up Media. He also launched an internal investigation into the reported incidents.

DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) urged the Control Yuan to investigate and provide an explanation, per Tai Sounds. Addressing the leaked photographs that revealed the abuses, Wu noted the images look like a coordinated effort to discredit public officials, but added public figures should expect heightened scrutiny.

Political commentator Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚) called on Control Yuan members to proactively investigate vehicle misuse, per NOWNews. He also recommended the removal of Lee Chun-yi to mitigate damage to the DPP’s public image.

Meanwhile, the opposition has taken a harsher stance. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) criticized Lee Chun-yi’s actions as “unacceptable,” especially at a time when the Cabinet has asked the public to accept a 25% cut in local government subsidies, per NOWNews.

KMT media personality and politician Jaw Shaw-kang (趙少康) called on the legislature to abolish the Control Yuan entirely, per UDN. He also questioned the timing of the vehicle suspension, which takes effect June 2, implying that officials may continue misusing state vehicles through the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.