TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taichung City Council, Taiwan's third-largest city's legislature, (台中市議會) erupted in heated confrontation Monday (Sept. 15) as Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party, (KMT, 國民黨) and Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan's ruling party, (DPP, 民進黨) councilors clashed dramatically over a controversial proposal to distribute NT$50,000 (around US$1,650) to residents. The special session devolved into chaos as opposing political factions battled over the unprecedented cash handout plan. The confrontation highlighted deep partisan divisions over fiscal policy and government spending priorities in Taiwan's local politics.
DPP caucus leader Wang Li-jen (王立任) highlighted that Taichung's treasury accumulated NT$41.5 billion (around US$1.37 billion) from surplus tax revenues and NT$102.3 billion (around US$3.38 billion) from land sales during Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's (盧秀燕) six-year tenure. Wang urged the city to return NT$50,000 (around US$1,650) to residents. Lu countered that implementing the cash handout would require NT$140 billion (around US$4.62 billion), potentially squeezing vital funds for education, elderly health insurance, public transportation, and infrastructure projects.
Wang demanded that Lu sign a written statement committing to the cash distribution plan immediately. He insisted the city government must not evade, delay, or refuse implementation under any pretext or excuse. DPP councilors surrounded Mayor Lu during the heated questioning, chanting "Distribute NT$50,000 (around US$1,650), return the money to the people." KMT and pro-blue, supporting Taiwan's pan-blue political coalition, councilors rushed to protect Lu, creating a chaotic and increasingly tense standoff that brought the session to a virtual halt. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.300)