TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) faced legislators on Monday (Jan. 19) over the government's failure to meet its 130,000 social housing unit target, with the goal now revised down to 40,000-60,000 units due to land shortages. The Internal Administration Committee (內政委員會), a panel of Taiwan's parliament, summoned the Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部) to explain the policy shortfall. Liu highlighted the demand for social housing in metropolitan areas, including Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Taichung City.
Liu announced plans to prioritize 40 sites for approximately 11,000 social housing units between 2026 and 2027, urging local governments to utilize municipal land in collaboration with the central government. President Lai Ching-te once promised to build 130,000 units, but the MOI revised the target to 40,000 units due to land shortages, drawing criticism from legislators. The minister said the final number might range from 40,000 to 60,000 units, depending on cooperation with local governments.
Liu emphasized the challenges local governments face in constructing social housing, having already met with New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and Taoyuan City Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政). She plans to meet with Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) next to discuss land availability and construction plans. The minister said she aims to expand housing capacity through diverse methods, including encouraging the release of underutilized homes to the rental market.
Jenny Mai (麥玉珍) of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) questioned claims of 227 available public land sites, to which Liu responded the count had increased to 235. Chang Chi-lun (張智倫) of the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, criticized the reduction in housing targets. Liu replied that the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, is conducting a comprehensive review to strengthen support for youth and disadvantaged groups seeking affordable housing. ◼