Taiwan's opposition parties pushed a censure motion against the premier through a first hurdle, deepening a fight between parliament and the government that has left passed laws unenforced.

• The Taiwan People's Party accused President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai of illegally using the refusal to countersign as a tool to kill bills parliament already passed.
• The Cabinet has refused to countersign three laws, including one setting up savings accounts for children and a cable TV law.
• With the opposition holding a majority, the motion cleared a vote and moved to negotiation between party caucuses.
• The ruling DPP hit back, calling the opposition a "constitutional Godzilla" trampling 30 years of separation of powers, and said the child benefit is already funded in next year's budget as monthly cash payments.
• The DPP also argues the children's accounts law mainly helps wealthier parents shelter savings from tax rather than narrowing the gap between rich and poor.

Outlook: The censure motion now heads to cross-party talks with no sign either side will back down, leaving Taiwan's legislature and Cabinet locked in a constitutional standoff.