Taiwan's Executive Yuan Considers Legal Action Over Police Pension Amendments

The Executive Yuan Weighs Options Following Legislative Changes to Police Retirement Benefits, Citing Concerns of Legal Violations and Fiscal Imbalance.

In a significant development within Taiwan's political landscape, the Executive Yuan is reportedly considering legal action regarding amendments to the "Police Personnel Personnel Act" passed by the Legislative Yuan. The amendments, which aim to increase retirement benefits for police and fire service personnel, have triggered a series of deliberations within the Executive Yuan, including a temporary pause and subsequent reconsideration of the potential for a formal request for reconsideration (a “覆議”).

The Executive Yuan, according to sources, believes the legislative amendments may violate three key laws: the Budget Act (預算法), the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures (財政收支劃分法), and the Fiscal Discipline Act (財政紀律法). The government's concern centers on the potential for financial strain and also fears the legislation could exacerbate tensions between general civil servants and police/fire service personnel. Consequently, the Executive Yuan is seeking recourse through legal and constitutional channels to ensure the government operates within established legal frameworks. A formal request for reconsideration of the law remains an active option.

The Legislative Yuan passed the amendments to the "Police Personnel Personnel Act" on January 7th, 2024. The legislation stipulates that the monthly retirement income for police, firefighters, coast guard, immigration officers, and air patrol personnel can be increased to a maximum of 80% of their final salary, with retroactive application.