Taiwan parties cut presidential fund, impacting vulnerable groups and gift box orders

Taiwan's legislative session saw a significant move as the ruling and opposition parties, leveraging their numerical advantage, approved a proposal by KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling. The proposal effectively eliminated the presidential office's NT$30 million discretionary fund. This decision has immediate repercussions, forcing the cancellation of 15,000 boxes of Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes. These boxes were to be purchased from 37 sheltered workshops and disability organizations, representing a total value of NT$1.5 million. The Presidential Office stated that the cancellation was a direct consequence of the legislative decision. Four welfare organizations in Taichung, including the Maria Foundation, Shi-Fang, and Li-Da, are among those affected. These organizations rely on such purchases for income, and the cancellation is expected to impact their operations and the individuals they support.