Taiwan Opposition Slams Premier Over Budget Passage, Demands Action on Youth Act

Taiwan's legislature has approved the central government's budget for the upcoming year after a lengthy review process. However, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has voiced strong criticism against Premier Cho Jung-tai. KMT Chairman Chen Yi-hsin accused Cho of breaking with tradition by not visiting the Legislative Yuan to offer thanks following the budget's passage. Chen further alleged that the Executive Yuan's spokesperson subsequently listed "seven reasons" to criticize the opposition's actions as irrational. Chen condemned the administration's attitude as "arrogant and ungrateful," stating it was not the proper way to handle inter-party disagreements. He argued this missed an opportunity for reconciliation and instead escalated political confrontation, reinforcing criticisms from The Economist about President Lai Ching-te's perceived stubbornness. The KMT is urging the administration to immediately approve and implement the "Children and Youth Growth and Future Account Act," a bill jointly proposed by the KMT and the Taiwan People's Party. Chen emphasized this law, crucial for the future of children, family support, and generational justice, should be signed and executed without delay. Failure to do so, he warned, would further prove the administration's unwillingness to compromise with the opposition.