Taipei: Premier Cho Jung-tai has refused to countersign the Special Act on Taiwan Future Accounts, citing violations of constitutional principles, as reported by the Executive Yuan on Monday. This decision follows the passing of the legislation by the opposition-controlled Legislature in July. Instead, the government will continue with the family support measures it approved in May, according to a statement by Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee.
According to Focus Taiwan, the legislation requires the government to deposit NT$60,000 (US$1,854) annually into a Growth Allowance Account for eligible children under 8. For children aged 7 to 17, the proposed act stipulates an annual deposit of NT$30,000 into both the Growth Allowance Account and a Future Account. The inclusion of "corporate sponsorship funds" in the accounts is a point of contention for the Executive Yuan, which argues this could exacerbate wealth inequality and violate the principle of proportionality. Additionally, the tax exemptions for these sponsorship funds lack clear definitions, thus violating the constitutional principle that taxation must be based on law, Lee contended.
Lee emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the Executive Yuan as the highest administrative authority, which includes policy proposing, planning, and budget allocation. In response to the decision, Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Chen I-hsin criticized the administration of President Lai Ching-te, stating that the refusal to countersign is "ironclad evidence" of the administration's disregard for the Legislature. Chen accused the Cabinet of marginalizing the Legislative Yuan and questioned the government's commitment to child welfare policies it did not originate.
Lee reiterated that the family support measures approved in May are part of a comprehensive program that considers economic growth and fiscal responsibility. This program features a monthly child allowance of NT$5,000 for children aged 0 to 18, budgeted until 2027, and includes an account for vulnerable children, where the government matches parents' savings. The measures also enhance parental, marriage, maternity, and paternity leave, while promoting workplace flexibility. Relevant legislative amendments have been submitted for review.
Premier Cho's decision marks the sixth instance since December 2025 where he has declined to countersign legislation, a move unprecedented in the history of Taiwan. Previous refusals involved legislation concerning government revenue allocation, satellite broadcasting, and the legislative structure. Typically, legislation passed by the Legislature requires countersignature by the premier and promulgation by the president, a process now complicated by political tensions between Taiwan's executive and legislative branches controlled by different parties.