TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Judges Association of Republic of China (Taiwan) criticized Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) on Friday for remarks suggesting the central government holds undue influence over the judiciary.
Lu made the comment Wednesday while discussing a possible judicial appeal against the Cabinet’s decision to reduce local government subsidies, per CNA. She implied the central government has significant sway over court decisions, per Liberty Times.
The Taichung DPP City Council Caucus criticized Lu’s remarks, accusing her of undermining public trust in the independence and fairness of the judiciary, per Liberty Times.
In response, the Judges Association issued a statement saying that judges are neither affiliated with political organizations, nor should they be used as political tools. The association warned that such statements risk creating public distrust in the judicial system, ultimately harming the rule of law.
The association also raised concerns about chronic overwork within the judiciary, citing the growing number of fraud cases clogging the court system. It urged political leaders to focus on addressing these structural issues rather than making remarks that could erode judicial credibility.
Under the amended Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, the revenue split between the central and local governments favors local governments more, per CNA. However, critics said the new formula benefits cities that lean toward the KMT.
In addition, the amendments require that local subsidies not be lower than those provided in the previous fiscal year, per Liberty Times. As a result, the central government could see reduced revenues while still shouldering a similar financial burden if it does not cut local subsidies this year.
