Lai Asks About Disaster Funds Without Budget Passage; KMT Accuses Him of Confusing the Public

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te raised concerns about the central government's ability to fund disaster relief efforts if the general budget is not passed promptly. Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the Erji Line of the Taiwan Railways Administration in Nantou County, Lai highlighted that while central government funding for Nantou had surpassed 30 billion New Taiwan dollars for the first time, the overall budget remained stalled. He specifically pointed to the upcoming梅雨 (plum rain) and typhoon seasons, questioning the source of funds for disaster response should emergencies arise.

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If the general budget is not passed, what money will the central government use to rescue disasters?

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) caucus strongly refuted Lai's claims. KMT caucus secretary-general Lin Pei-hsiang stated that flood control budgets were approved in March, questioning why the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators had opposed them then. Lin also pointed out that the Legislative Yuan had already passed a "new plan first action budget" in March, authorizing the Executive Yuan to disburse approximately 71.8 billion New Taiwan dollars for 38 urgent projects, including flood control and subsidies.

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Flood control budgets were passed in March, and the DPP legislators were the ones opposing them. President Lai should ask the green [DPP] legislators why they opposed them.

KMT legislator Ko Chih-en echoed these sentiments, asserting that disaster relief funds are not being held up. She argued that the focus should be on the effectiveness of spending, given that billions have been allocated for flood control with persistent flooding issues. Ko emphasized that funds for disaster relief and rescue operations are always available and accused the DPP of using the budget issue to confuse the public during a critical time for disaster preparedness.

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The money for disaster relief is not blocked. The question is why, after allocating budgets, counties and cities are still suffering from flooding. Blocking the budget is simply talking nonsense.

Both KMT lawmakers suggested that President Lai should direct his questions to Premier Cho Jung-tai, as the Executive Yuan is responsible for budget execution. They maintained that the Legislative Yuan consistently approves necessary funds, especially for life-saving purposes, and that the administrative system is functioning normally. The KMT accused the DPP of prioritizing electioneering over effective governance, suggesting that the ruling party's claims about blocked budgets were unfounded and aimed at misinforming the public.

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Any life-saving money for disaster relief, the Legislative Yuan will definitely approve. This is a solid fact. Why are people still saying there are no disaster relief budgets? Give me an example.