TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced Wednesday (May 20) that Taiwan will provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 (around US$158) per child from birth through age 18. The new family support policy, unveiled during Lai's second anniversary address at the Presidential Office (總統府), aims to encourage marriage and childbearing among young Taiwanese. The initiative expands Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) recent proposals for enhanced childcare subsidies and flexible parental leave.
The policy addresses Taiwan's declining birthrate, which reached a record low of 0.87 births per woman in 2023. That figure makes Taiwan one of the world's lowest fertility rates, according to government statistics. The initiative would cost an estimated NT$180 billion (around US$5.68 billion) annually if applied to all eligible children. Details on implementation timeline and funding sources were not immediately available.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's cabinet leader, said Tuesday the government will expand parental leave into a broader childcare leave system. Parents could apply for leave as needed until their child turns six, moving beyond the current unpaid parental leave framework, Cho said. The government also plans housing tax incentives and reviews of marriage, maternity and paternity leave policies.
"Taiwan cannot be held hostage by external forces or fear," Lai said in his address. Taiwan's future must remain in the hands of its 23 million citizens, free from external influence, he said. Lai urged political parties to unite and uphold national interests to protect shared values.
"I will listen to the people with a humble attitude, and drive reforms with unwavering determination," Lai said. He pledged to implement reforms more swiftly for every family, acknowledging public pressures over rising living costs and economic challenges. The president promised to make Taiwan a better place to live and work through concrete policy changes. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.68)