Taiwan's ruling and opposition camps are locked in a constitutional fight over whether the premier can block laws passed by the legislature, a bad sign for political stability.

• Premier Cho Jung-tai refused to countersign bills passed by the opposition-controlled legislature, saying he has a duty to block laws he believes break the constitution.
• The KMT says no article of the constitution gives a premier that power, and that a government can only do what the law allows.
• The KMT points out that even a president declaring a state of emergency must get the legislature's approval within ten days, so a premier cannot claim a veto the president lacks.
• The constitution already provides a remedy — the cabinet can ask the legislature to reconsider a law, but must accept the result if lawmakers hold firm.
• The KMT calls Cho an "administrative dictator" who now accuses, judges, and enforces on constitutional questions all by himself.

Outlook: The fight is likely to escalate toward the courts or further legislative retaliation, with no quick resolution in sight.