TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) dismissed opposition parties' proposals for direct cash handouts to citizens on Tuesday (May 6), characterizing them as oversimplified approaches that fail to address deeper economic challenges. The comments coincided with the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, approving a substantial NT$410 billion (US$13.7 billion) special funding bill a week earlier aimed at strengthening the island's economic foundations, social welfare systems, and defense capabilities amid growing regional tensions.
Taiwan's two main opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), the island's traditional conservative party, and the newer Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), have countered with alternative versions of the legislation that prioritize direct payments to citizens. The TPP's parliamentary group recently proposed redirecting NT$100 billion (US$3.34 billion) originally earmarked for Taiwan Power Company (台電), the state-owned utility, toward funding NT$6,000 (US$200) cash distributions totaling NT$141.6 billion (US$4.73 billion).
Premier Cho conceded that the opposition proposals maintain much of the government's fundamental framework, while diverging significantly on implementation strategy. He emphasized the critical need for targeted industrial support rather than broad consumer spending stimulation. Appealing for cross-party cooperation during his address, Cho highlighted that national unity remains essential during challenging times. The premier warned that diverting funds to individual payments would ultimately diminish the government's capacity to strengthen key economic sectors and critical infrastructure. ★