Taiwan's opposition is moving to put constitutional court rulings up for a public vote, a step the ruling DPP calls an attack on the separation of powers.

• The KMT caucus in Taiwan's legislature has made referendum-law changes a top priority for the new session.
• One version, from KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling, would also strip the election commission of any power to refuse a referendum the legislature sends it.
• The DPP says letting a public vote override the constitutional court turns legal questions into a contest of who can mobilize more supporters, and accuses the KMT of expanding legislative power at the expense of the courts and the cabinet.
• The two sides are also fighting over the extra central government budget, which the KMT opposes and which includes money to hold down fuel and gas prices as the Middle East stays unstable, plus disaster rebuilding, welfare, and public-sector pay raises.

Outlook: Expect a bruising session as the KMT pushes the referendum bill while the budget fight drags on, with any passed law likely headed straight back to the constitutional court.