KMT Slashes Defense Budget, Legislator Proposes Cash Handouts; Civic Groups Warn of 'Dragging Taiwan to Death'

The legislative session on the 8th saw a concerning trend as the KMT and other parties pushed through a scaled-down defense special budget, significantly less than what is needed to secure our nation. This move, coupled with proposals for massive, fiscally irresponsible cash handouts, demonstrates a shocking disregard for Taiwan's future and security. The reduction in defense spending and the reckless introduction of 'money-pit' bills are not just poor policy; they actively undermine our constitutional order and national defense capabilities.

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From the 11th Legislative Yuan's performance, it can be seen that under the KMT's hopeless state of central governance, the whole party is dragging Taiwan to death together.

Civic groups have rightly sounded the alarm, labeling these actions as a deliberate attempt to destabilize Taiwan. Proposals like the NT$10,000 cash handout, costing an estimated NT$236 billion, are particularly egregious. This comes at a time when we should be prioritizing robust defense and fiscal prudence, not indulging in populist measures that drain the national treasury. The comparison to local issues like rodent infestations and African swine fever, where authorities often turn to the central government for funds, highlights a pattern of irresponsibility that is now being played out on a national scale.

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The most terrifying part is that these people are like desperadoes, completely unconcerned about Taiwan's future and national security, nor the nation's fiscal discipline.

From the perspective of groups like the Public Opinion Foundation and the Taiwan Economic and Social Development Research Institute, these legislative actions are akin to 'disrupting Taiwan.' In an era where external threats are palpable, internal division and fiscal mismanagement serve only the interests of those who wish to see Taiwan weakened. The KMT's proposed amendments to the Budget Act, which would normalize cash handouts whenever tax revenue exceeds projections, are particularly alarming. This ignores the fundamental principles of sound financial management, such as debt repayment and saving for future contingencies.

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The defense special budget is used to purchase weapons to defend Taiwan. Since they are weapons to defend Taiwan, why should they be discounted by 60%?

This is not merely about budget cuts or spending proposals; it's about the very integrity of Taiwan's governance and its ability to defend its democratic way of life. The current legislative actions, characterized by a lack of foresight and a disregard for fiscal discipline, are a dangerous path that risks dragging Taiwan down with them. We must question the motives behind these decisions and demand accountability from our elected officials who are entrusted with safeguarding our nation's security and prosperity.

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Therefore, these amendments by the KMT are illogical. Whether it's a one-time cash handout or amending the Budget Act to institutionalize annual cash handouts, these completely disregard the soundness of national fiscal revenue and finances.