Budget passed after 351 days, journalist laments 'no winners'

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has finally passed the central government's budget, concluding a protracted 351-day deliberation process. The budget, originally due by the end of last year, was approved after extensive negotiations and a final vote, with amendments resulting in a reduction of NT$48 billion, or 1.689% of the total.

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This prolonged budget battle actually had no winners. The government's administration was affected, and the opposition parties also paid a political price.

Japanese senior journalist Akio Yaita observed that the prolonged budget battle had no clear winners. He noted the government's administrative functions were impacted, while opposition parties also paid a political price. The significant consumption of time and energy in political infighting ultimately harmed the nation. Yaita pointed out the irony that the 2026 budget was only passed now, as the 2027 budget is soon to be submitted to the legislature, suggesting the cycle of delays may continue.

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The pressure of elections is the most important reason why the KMT was finally willing to compromise significantly.

Yaita emphasized that while opposition parties have a duty to scrutinize budgets, excessive obstruction can be perceived as paralyzing the government. He specifically mentioned the defense budget, stating that using it as a political bargaining chip carries a heavy burden, especially given the escalating cross-strait security situation. The pressure of upcoming local elections was a key factor in the Kuomintang's eventual compromise, demonstrating the power of the electorate in democratic politics.

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Minority governments need to engage in extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations, exchanges, and compromises, not just public debates.

He also called for introspection from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, suggesting they have not fully adapted to governing as a minority party. Yaita advised learning from parliamentary democracies like Japan and the UK, where minority governments engage in extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations and seek alliances. He stressed that mature politics involves distinguishing between non-negotiable principles and policies open to compromise, and the ability to govern with those holding different views. Yaita concluded by hoping that both sides will learn from the 351-day ordeal, uphold national security, find common ground on negotiable issues, and inject more political wisdom into their approach.

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Democratic politics is not about eliminating opponents, but about learning to govern with people you don't like.