KMT Proposes Reinstating Controversial 'Double Salary' for Retired Public Servants

Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party is pushing for legislative changes that would reinstate a controversial "double-salary" system for retired public servants, military personnel, and teachers. KMT legislator Yeh Yuan-chih has proposed three amendments that critics contend would revive a system widely criticized for benefiting well-connected retirees, often dubbed "fat cats."

This legislative push is seen by many as a strategic move by the KMT to solidify its support among key demographics, including the military, police, firefighters, and civil servants. These groups are considered crucial "iron vote" constituencies for the party. The KMT and its legislative allies have consistently introduced measures aimed at reversing the pension reforms enacted in recent years.

The proposed amendments seek to reintroduce benefits that were curtailed under previous pension adjustments. The KMT argues that these changes are necessary to address the concerns of retired public sector workers, while opponents view them as a populist measure designed to court specific voter blocs at the expense of fiscal sustainability. The debate highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding pension reform in Taiwan.