Taipei: The opposition-controlled Legislature on Friday passed a censure motion against Premier Cho Jung-tai, citing "four primary failures," and called for the resignation of National Security Council head Joseph Wu. The demand comes in the wake of a former aide being found guilty of espionage for China, though the verdict is still under appeal.
According to Focus Taiwan, the censure motion identified four major failures, including the Cabinet's request in June 2024 for the Legislature to reconsider amendments aimed at expanding legislative power, many of which were deemed unconstitutional on October 25 of that year. The motion further criticized Cho's management of earmarked subsidies for Taiwan Power Co., the appointment of the National Communications Commission's acting head, and the unresolved dispute over compensation for Indigenous lands.
The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) initiated the motion, accusing Cho of failing to respect constitutional boundaries, thus undermining democratic principles and causing a constitutional stalemate and intense partisan confrontation. The motion was supported by the Kuomintang (KMT) and the TPP, who together hold a majority of seats in the Legislature. Although carrying more symbolic weight than legal force, the motion was opposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In addition to the censure motion, the Legislature also passed a motion demanding Wu's resignation, citing "severe damage to national interests" caused by Ho Jen-chieh, who was sentenced to over eight years in prison for procuring classified documents for China while serving as Wu's aide in 2023. Ho, who is in detention, continues to assert his innocence as his case is under appeal.
The opposition also criticized Wu for repeatedly refusing to attend legislative committee meetings, which they claim undermines legislative oversight. During Friday's session, the DPP proposed a resolution to condemn the recent "Justice Mission-2025" military exercise by the Chinese People's Liberation Army around Taiwan, but it was voted down by the opposition.
Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee expressed regret that the opposition failed to join the international community in condemning China's military activities, instead opting to pass motions that escalate political tensions. Lee urged the opposition to prioritize reviewing the central government's budget and the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.78 billion) special defense budget.
The National Security Council, in a press release, urged all political parties to prioritize national interests by reviewing the budget proposals and ending political confrontations.