TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) pressed Taiwan's parliament Friday (Aug. 15) to fast-track legislation strengthening economic and national security resilience. The Premier urged Legislative Yuan (立法院) parties to expedite passage of the Special Statute on Strengthening the Resilience of the Economy, Society, and National Security in Response to International Developments (因應國際情勢強化經濟社會及民生國安韌性特別條例). Cho's appeal comes amid mounting pressure to address fiscal challenges facing the government.
Premier Cho announced the Executive Yuan Taiwan's cabinet will promptly formulate a special budget to facilitate cooperation between ministries and local governments. Parliament invited Cho and ministry heads to present reports on executing Next-Generation Anti-Fraud Strategy Guidelines, Version 2.0 (新世代打擊詐欺策略行動綱領2.0). The Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 台灣民眾黨) legislative caucus criticized the Executive Yuan Thursday (Aug. 14) for disregarding legislative resolutions and forcing unreasonable budget additions on local governments.
Premier Cho responded that local leaders have requested subsidy adjustments and urged the Taiwan People's Party to heed local opinions for joint problem-solving. The Premier acknowledged significant challenges in preparing next year's central government budget due to fiscal gaps created by new financial allocation legislation. Budget preparation will require extensive expenditure restructuring and borrowing to compensate for the shortfalls. ◼
