Taiwan ruling party legislator dismisses opposition's 'panic' over cash handout plan

President Lai Ching-te's announcement of a NT$10,000 cash handout to every citizen next year, framed as sharing "AI dividends," has ignited a sharp debate with opposition parties. The plan, intended to distribute economic benefits broadly, has drawn criticism, with some opposition figures accusing the administration of being "panicked" and inconsistent. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has amplified the opposition's stance by proposing a NT$20,000 handout instead.

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the performance of the opposition parties this time is a bit panicked

Chuang Jui-hsiung, the legislative caucus whip for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), directly addressed the opposition's reaction, describing it as "somewhat panicked." He contrasted this with Mayor Chiang's approach, suggesting Chiang's call for a larger sum was more measured, though Chuang humorously advised Chiang might be better suited selling vegetables in a market than serving as mayor. Chuang argued that the opposition's strong negative reaction to a policy benefiting the public is typical of inter-party competition, but insisted it should not devolve into "panic."

Chuang defended the government's fiscal capacity to implement the cash handout. He pointed to projected revenue increases, with tax income expected to reach NT$2.86 trillion in 2026 and NT$3.9 trillion in 2027. According to Chuang, the government has already allocated funds for essential investments and infrastructure projects. He emphasized that after fulfilling its core responsibilities, including salary increases for civil servants and military personnel, bolstering national defense, and maintaining stable prices for essential services like electricity and oil, any remaining fiscal surplus justifies sharing economic prosperity with the public.

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Mayor Chiang is a little better, not so panicked, but directly called on the central government to increase the amount to 20,000 yuan. I suggest that Mayor Chiang does not need to be the mayor and can go to the market to sell vegetables.

The DPP legislator stressed that the timing and implementation of such a stimulus are crucial. He argued that distributing cash is appropriate only after the government has secured necessary funding for its core functions and long-term development plans. The government's increased revenue, he asserted, provides the financial foundation to support both national policy initiatives and a citizen dividend, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the populace.

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When the national strength increases, including salary increases for civil servants, military personnel, and teachers, national defense construction, and freezing prices for Taiwan Power and CPC Corporation, the relevant expenses are all included in the total budget for next year.