Debate Over the Existence of Control Yuan Resurfaces; KMT: Appropriate Measures After Consensus Building

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Liu Guanting, Taipei, June 17)

The debate over whether to retain or abolish Taiwan's Control Yuan has reignited. KMT spokesperson Niu Xuting stated today that due to diverse opinions within the party, the KMT will conduct thorough discussions and build consensus before taking appropriate measures. He also emphasized that the party will respect the legislative caucus's review results regarding the confirmation of Control Yuan nominees.

Following the Presidential Office's announcement of its Control Yuan nominee list, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) legislative caucus announced it would initiate a constitutional amendment committee to abolish the Control Yuan. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an also expressed support for abolishing the Control Yuan. Meanwhile, former New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Hsieh Cheng-da and former KMT legislator Liao Wan-ju, both nominated as Control Yuan members, issued statements on June 16 declining their nominations.

Niu Xuting, speaking after the KMT's Central Standing Committee meeting, noted that legally, abolishing the Control Yuan involves extremely high thresholds. Not only must there be overwhelming consensus in the Legislative Yuan, but also a referendum requiring over 9 million affirmative votes. Therefore, while advocacy for abolition exists in practice, actual implementation is unlikely in the short term.

He added that the KMT itself holds differing internal views. The party headquarters, legislative caucus, think tanks, and academic experts will engage in full communication to build consensus before making appropriate decisions. Regarding the confirmation of Control Yuan nominees, the party will respect the legislative caucus's review outcomes.

Regarding Taitung County Magistrate Yau Ching-ling's pre-recorded video participation in the Cross-Strait Forum, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) requested the Ministry of the Interior to investigate and take action. Niu criticized the government for applying double standards and engaging in political manipulation ahead of elections, noting that similar precedents exist in the past.

Niu stated that it is a county magistrate's responsibility to advocate for local residents and industries, and the KMT fully supports Yau in defending her rights. The party also supports reasonable cross-strait dialogue to enhance people's well-being.