Taiwan's Executive Branch to Challenge Opposition's Child Welfare Bill as Unconstitutional

Taiwan's legislature has passed a child welfare bill championed by the KMT and TPP parties, but the executive branch is signaling strong opposition, deeming it unconstitutional and fiscally irresponsible. The bill, which aims to establish a "future account" for children, allocates an estimated 216.2 billion NT dollars annually. This figure significantly surpasses the 185.1 billion NT dollars proposed by the current administration for its own child growth allowance program.

The executive branch, led by Premier Cho Jung-tai, has indicated it may refuse to sign the bill into law. Alternatively, it might sign the bill but immediately file a constitutional interpretation request with the judicial system, refusing to implement it. This stance aligns with Cho's recent criticism of the opposition-controlled legislature, which he accused of "constitutional subversion" and undermining national security and fiscal discipline.

Sources close to the executive branch argue that the KMT/TPP version is unconstitutional and could exacerbate wealth inequality. They point out that the bill allows for unlimited personal savings in these accounts, with the government contributing, and criticizes the provision of 60,000 NT dollars for newborns without adequately supporting vulnerable populations. The administrative costs are also expected to be higher than initially projected.

The government's own proposal, part of President Lai Ching-te's "New Strategy for Taiwan's Population Policy - Family Support Chapter," focuses on a monthly allowance of 5,000 NT dollars for individuals aged 0-18. This was initially planned as an administrative guideline rather than a separate law to avoid legislative roadblocks and potential budget inflation.

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The executive branch will do its job as a gatekeeper. Any bill that subverts the constitution, undermines national security, or damages national finances will not be allowed into the executive branch; we will refuse it!