TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is willing to deliver a "state of the nation" report to lawmakers, despite the Constitutional Court ruling on Friday (Oct. 25) that he is not required to do so.

Lai is willing to deliver the address on Taiwan's development in accordance with the Constitution if the ruling and opposition parties can reach a consensus on the issue, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said on Friday. 

The statement came after the Constitutional Court quashed a “contempt of the Legislature” act and rejected rules related to a presidential state of the nation speech voted for by an opposition majority in May. 

Kuo said that following the ruling, Lai hoped all political parties could work together to protect Taiwan’s constitutional and democratic system.

The Constitutional Court's ruling noted a section of the Constitution that states it is for the president to decide whether or not to give such a report, how and when to provide it, and what is covered. The court said that the president may discuss the issue with the legislature out of mutual respect between constitutional institutions.

The ruling found amendments requiring the president to deliver the address were not unconstitutional as they were not binding. However, the court stated the law should not determine the date and content of the speech, or allow lawmakers to submit questions to the president.