New Taipei councilors demand mayor explain welfare funding in special session

A political debate is unfolding in the New Taipei City Council as the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus pushes for a special session to scrutinize Mayor Hou Yu-ih's administration regarding social welfare funding. The DPP caucus proposed the extraordinary meeting, scheduled for the 16th, to demand a special report from the mayor on the financial implications of new benefits under the 'Elderly Card' policy and other subsidy programs slated for implementation between 2024 and 2029.

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New Taipei Mayor Hou has no mayor's halo anymore, and it's useless even if he comes to the council.

The proposal has ignited a fierce debate between ruling and opposition councilors, with discussions lasting nearly an hour without a resolution. DPP councilors argue that a special session is necessary to clarify the funding sources for recently announced policies, such as free school lunches and increased subsidies for neighborhood leaders. They point out that the mayor had previously cited a lack of funds for similar initiatives proposed by the DPP, questioning the sudden availability of resources.

Conversely, some councilors from the Kuomintang (KMT) party have questioned the need for an additional session. KMT councilor Lin Jin-jie humorously remarked that Mayor Hou no longer holds the "mayor's halo" and that his presence in the council might be ineffective, suggesting that a special session is unnecessary. Other KMT members highlighted that the city government has secured additional revenue following the amendment of the "Fiscal Revenue Allocation Law," which could explain the new funding.

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I think it is necessary to open a special session and make it clear to the public.

Independent and other party councilors expressed mixed views. Some supported the special session, believing the mayor should be accountable for his policy announcements and provide clear explanations to the public. Others suggested that the city government could address these concerns through written reports rather than an extra session, urging a review of their processes. The debate underscores the ongoing political maneuvering and scrutiny surrounding the mayor's policy decisions and budget allocations in New Taipei City.

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The KMT was not the first to propose relevant proposals. When Hou Yu-ih announced it during the general question, he also thanked every councilor for their joint efforts.