Legislature suspends 'friendship' travel funds after budget cuts

Taiwan's legislature has halted funding for overseas trips by its parliamentary friendship groups, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from the island's major political parties. The decision follows significant budget cuts to the central government's spending for the current fiscal year, which was finally passed after a lengthy delay.

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I think the legislature has only itself to blame.

The Legislative Yuan's budget for overseas travel and training was slashed by 30 percent as part of these across-the-board reductions. Legislative Yuan Secretary-General Chou Wan-lai informed lawmakers that the remaining budget is insufficient to subsidize the parliamentary friendship groups' international visits, after accounting for existing expenditures and earmarked funds.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Fan Yun stated that the legislature "has only itself to blame," as the cuts directly impacted its own operations and left lawmakers facing out-of-pocket expenses for diplomatic efforts. Michelle Lin, another DPP legislator and chair of several friendship groups, highlighted the importance of these exchanges for Taiwan's international engagement, especially amid pressure from China. She noted that while subsidies were around NT$60,000 per person, this often falls short of covering economy-class airfare and accommodation for trips to Europe.

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At a time when Taiwan is facing pressure from China, parliamentary exchanges with other democratic legislatures are an important way for the nation to engage internationally.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lee Yen-hsiu viewed the cuts as evidence of a broader effort to control government spending, rather than a targeted measure against the Executive Yuan. Taiwan People's Party (TPP) caucus whip Jacky Chen also commented on the situation.

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the cuts apply to the Legislative Yuan, which shows that they were intended to rein in government spending, rather than targeting the Executive Yuan.