Taiwanese lawmaker criticizes party for 'mistakenly' cutting budget, warns of electoral fallout

Taiwanese legislator Qin Hui-zhu has sharply criticized her own Kuomintang (KMT) party for a budget cut that she described as a "mistaken kill," inadvertently impacting a sheltered workshop that supplied mooncakes for the presidential office.

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This is a 'mistaken kill,' but why can Weng Hsiao-ling, as a legislator-at-large, command the three armies?

Qin stated on the political talk show "Face to Face" that the KMT's momentum, which peaked during a protest on July 25, has dissipated within a month. She argued that while budget cuts are a legitimate tool for the opposition, targeting President Lai Ching-te's discretionary funds and Premier Cho Jung-tai's salary out of animosity is counterproductive.

"This is a 'mistaken kill,'" Qin asserted, questioning why legislator Weng Hsiao-ling, as a legislator-at-large, could command such authority without any other KMT legislator speaking out against the action. She warned that the collective silence could lead to significant electoral consequences for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, and other KMT candidates running in the upcoming elections.

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In this huge negative impact, the blue camp continues to collectively remain silent, and the political price will likely be borne by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, and candidates running for mayor and councilor this year.

Qin emphasized the need for the KMT to appeal not only to its core supporters but also to moderate and even center-left voters. She cautioned that clinging to a rigid ideology could alienate a broader electorate, jeopardizing the party's chances of retaining power.

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Those who win the hearts of the people win the world. If we stick to the fundamental doctrine and lose the hearts of the majority, how can we preserve the country?