Keelung Mayor Backs Cash Handout Amid Fiscal Concerns; Criticized for Spending

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang expressed support for a potential 20,000 NTD cash handout from the central government, contingent on sufficient national funds. However, he highlighted Keelung's own financial constraints, stating the city's revenue has decreased despite potential increases from fiscal revenue allocation.

Addressing Keelung's financial situation, Mayor Hsieh announced that the city will provide elderly welfare payments of 6,500 NTD for both the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and the Lunar New Year. This initiative aims to provide care for the elderly despite the city's budget challenges.

In contrast, Taipei City Councilor Tong Tzu-wei criticized Mayor Hsieh's financial management, accusing him of "wasting money" and engaging in "robbing Peter to pay Paul" with the city's budget. Tong pointed to the central government's strong economic performance, driven by sectors like AI, and its ability to distribute cash without incurring debt. He argued that Keelung's budget has been mismanaged, leading to stalled municipal projects.

Tong further contrasted Hsieh's approach with the previous administration under former Mayor Lin Yu-chang, who he said successfully secured central government funding for numerous projects that visibly improved Keelung's infrastructure and living conditions. Tong pledged to develop a comprehensive plan and seek central government resources to address Keelung's issues and advance its development if elected.

The debate touches upon differing approaches to fiscal policy and social welfare distribution, with the Keelung mayor prioritizing targeted elderly support amidst financial limitations, while a city councilor criticizes current spending and advocates for more strategic resource allocation and central government engagement.