Zhuo Rongtai Defends Constitution, Rejects Eight Bills to Protect Rule of Law

Premier Zhuo Rong‑tai responded today to the Executive Yuan’s recent decision not to co‑sign eight bills that have drawn public attention, stressing that the move was not an active provocation but a defensive measure rooted in constitutional duty and the preservation of the rule of law. Zhuo used a vivid analogy, noting that when the Executive Yuan faces controversial legislation it must act as a strict gatekeeper, upholding the legal baseline even if the role alienates many stakeholders and invites a torrent of criticism and pressure. He likened the situation to the goalkeeper in the film *Shaolin Soccer* who is besieged from all sides, yet affirmed that the administration will remain steadfast in defending democratic constitutionalism and the public good.

A closer look at the eight contentious bills that have sparked intense debate in the political arena reveals core concerns about their potential impact on Taiwan’s democratic system, media independence, and judicial fairness. Zhuo highlighted that several key proposals could allow direct party‑military involvement in media operations, crossing the red line that Taiwan has fiercely guarded since democratization to protect press autonomy and the independence of the fourth estate. Another highly criticized measure seeks to effectively de‑criminalize certain violations related to assistants’ fees for elected representatives. If enacted, such legislation would not only undermine public expectations of clean politics but could also erode the foundational pillars of a rule‑of‑law state, prompting the Executive Yuan to exercise its constitutional power to withhold co‑signature as a brake on the process.

From a constitutional perspective, a premier’s refusal to co‑sign laws or orders promulgated by the president is not a routine occurrence but a weighty defensive mechanism. Taiwan’s amended constitution and related statutes define the co‑signature system to ensure that the head of the executive bears ultimate political responsibility for major national policies. When a resolution or bill passed by the Legislative Yuan is deemed unconstitutional, unworkable, or poses serious harm to national interests and social stability, the Executive Yuan’s refusal to co‑sign serves as the final internal safeguard. Zhuo emphasized that the administration’s “passive yet purposeful” stance underscores that the executive is not deliberately opposing the legislature; rather, it is fulfilling a statutory duty to step forward when legislation threatens the public interest.

Nevertheless, the decision inevitably ignited a sharper political storm and power struggle between the ruling and opposition camps. In the current political climate, the Executive Yuan’s refusal prompted immediate and fierce condemnation from opposition legislators, who accused the administration of overstepping constitutional boundaries and trampling the will of the people’s representatives. Confronted with a deluge of political attacks and backlash from interest groups, Zhuo admitted that many people were indeed offended. He noted that political reality is often harsh: when the executive chooses to protect justice and the rule of law, thereby blocking the political interests or lobbying successes of certain groups, resistance and counter‑attacks are to be expected. This atmosphere, he said, mirrors the goalkeeper in the film who endures a barrage of arrows and relentless assaults.

Even while at the eye of the political tempest and under pressure from all directions, Zhuo used the public remarks to demonstrate a resolute governing will. His core message was that the administration’s primary value is not to pander to any particular party or interest group but to be accountable to the entire citizenry and safeguard the nation’s long‑term stability. The non‑co‑signature of the eight bills represents more than a single policy clash; it constitutes a significant stress test for Taiwan’s democratic constitutional process. It highlights the tension between executive and legislative powers and probes whether the head of the executive can withstand pressure and uphold the rule of law at critical moments. As subsequent constitutional disputes may evolve into deeper legal and political debates, the Executive Yuan’s ability to maintain its footing in public opinion will become a key indicator of the future direction of Taiwan’s political landscape.

(Fact source: Central News Agency)