Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (
"If the verdict made by the Council [of Grand Justices 大法官會議 ] says the decision was in violation of the Constitution, then the premier should demonstrate his sense of responsibility by resigning and the Cabinet should be reshuffled," DPP lawmaker Hsu Tain-tsair (許添財) said yesterday, adding that it was time for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to resolve the political standoff between the executive and legislative branches.
"Under the current political circumstances, it is difficult to normalize the relationship between the executive and legislative departments as Chang has been branded persona non grata by lawmakers ? The political impasse has to be resolved to facilitate the government's operation, and I think the time has come," Hsu said.
DPP lawmaker Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄), echoed Hsu, saying it might be a chance for the government to reverse its unfavorable situation if the council rules that the decision was in violation of the Constitution.
"[If the Council rules against the Cabinet's decision], it could be deemed a favorable turn for the government ? Chen could seize the chance to display his sincerity to the KMT by reshuffling the Cabinet and paying a visit to KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) to seek his advice," said Shen.
"Though the KMT might reject Chen's goodwill, it would be a good opportunity for Chen to pave the way for a possible coalition government after the legislative election this December."
Opposition members also shared this point of view.
KMT Legislator Chen Horng-chi (
"Chen should take the chance to express his friendliness to the opposition ? and I think the gesture would show the president's resolve to end the bitter political struggle as well as to enhance the public's confidence in the government," Chen Horng-chi said.
But, when asked if it would be an occasion to form a coalition government, which would entail a selection of Cabinet members through bipartisan negotiations, very few legislators were keen on the proposal.
"I don't consider it a pragmatic initiative at present because the opposition might not want to assume part of the responsibility for the ongoing political chaos with the ruling DPP, and it is very important for the DPP to prove itself a reliable government by shouldering all responsibilities alone," said Hsu.
Sharing Hsu's opinion, Chen Horng-chi said he would not favor the suggestion especially because with the legislative elections approaching, a coalition government wouldn't be advantageous for the KMT because of the present poor performance of the Cabinet.
In related news, the Council of Grand Justices, in a bid to expedite the ruling, yesterday held a provisional meeting to forge a consensus.
But Yang Jen-shau (楊仁壽), secretary-general of the Judicial Yuan, was tight-lipped when questioned about the ruling, saying only that he hoped the public would allow the Council space to ponder the issue.
DISRUPTIONS: The high-speed rail is to operate as normal, while several airlines either canceled flights or announced early departures or late arrivals Schools and offices in 15 cities and counties are to be closed today due to Typhoon Gaemi, local governments announced last night. The 15 are: Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Tainan, Keelung, Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, as well as Yilan, Hualien, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Chiayi, Pingtung, Penghu and Lienchiang counties. People should brace for torrential rainfall brought by the storm, with its center forecast to make landfall on the east coast between tonight and tomorrow morning, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. The agency issued a sea warning for the typhoon at 11:30pm on Monday, followed by a land warning at 11:30am yesterday. As of
CASUALTY: A 70-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree in Kaohsiung as the premier warned all government agencies to remain on high alert for the next 24 hours Schools and offices nationwide are to be closed for a second day today as Typhoon Gaemi crosses over the nation, bringing torrential rain and whipping winds. Gaemi was forecast to make landfall late last night. From Tuesday night, its outer band brought substantial rainfall and strong winds to the nation. As of 6:15pm last night, the typhoon’s center was 20km southeast of Hualien County, Central Weather Administration (CWA) data showed. It was moving at 19kph and had a radius of 250km. As of 3pm yesterday, one woman had died, while 58 people were injured, the Central Emergency Operation Center said. The 70-year-old
SEA SEARCH: Nine crew members of a cargo ship had taken to the water after the vessel sunk off the southern coast, with a rescue effort under way, officials said The strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years yesterday killed three people and flooded parts of the nation’s second-biggest city, while rescuers were searching for nine sailors after their cargo ship sank in the storm. Typhoon Gaemi transformed streets in Kaohsiung into rivers, with some households flooded. Offices and schools were closed for the second consecutive day, with thousands of people evacuated. Three people died and 380 were injured due to strong winds and torrential rainfall brought by Typhoon Gaemi, the Central Emergency Response Center said. The typhoon made landfall in Yilan County’s Nanao Township (南澳) at midnight yesterday and departed Taiwan
SEVEN-YEAR TERM: Three other defendants were found guilty and sentenced in the trial over legislative office salaries, while a fourth was found not guilty of all charges Anne Kao (高虹安) yesterday was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison and suspended as Hsinchu mayor after the Taipei District Court found her guilty of contravening the Anti-Corruption Act (貪污治罪條例) and the Criminal Code. The court also deprived Kao of her civil rights for four years and she was suspended from office by the Ministry of the Interior. Article 78 of the Local Government Act (地方制度法) stipulates that a mayor of a special municipality will be suspended from office if they are found guilty of contravening the Anti-Corruption Act. Kao was accused of taking for her own use more than