TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) called for a direct debate with the Legislative Yuan (立法院) on the NT$3.35 trillion Central Government General Budget, emphasizing the need to identify unnecessary items. He made this statement at the 25th Public Construction Commission Golden Quality Award ceremony (公共工程金質獎) on Wednesday (Jan. 21), underscoring the budget's significance for the nation's future.
Cho pointed out that the budget reflects the president's vision and the Executive Yuan's (行政院) annual policy plan. He asserted it should not face delays or division. The budget has already been blocked eight times this year. Recently, the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) coalition proposed a new initiative comprising 38 projects, including TPASS, an unlimited 30-day commuting program in Taiwan, totaling NT$71.8 billion.
The Executive Yuan plans to enhance its explanation of the NT$299.2 billion in new and continuing projects. Cho urged dialogue and debate with the parliament, allowing the public to decide rather than letting the Legislative Yuan hinder national progress. He reiterated the importance of the central government budget in response to media inquiries before the award ceremony.