TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's legislature reached consensus Tuesday (Oct. 14) to expedite passage of a special budget designed to strengthen the island's economic and social resilience against mounting international pressures. The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, plans to complete the third and final reading by Friday (Oct. 17), according to deputy speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣). The comprehensive budget includes provisions to distribute NT$10,000 (around US$326) in direct cash payments to all citizens as economic relief.
The Finance Committee (財政委員會) of Taiwan's parliament has already completed its preliminary review, with all political parties required to submit their final budget proposals by noon Oct. 15. Chiang convened unprecedented cross-party negotiations to ensure smooth passage, strategically deciding to forgo traditional policy questioning during the crucial Oct. 17 session. This streamlined legislative approach represents an unusual bipartisan effort to accelerate the budget approval process amid economic pressures.
Under the comprehensive Special Statute on Strengthening the Resilience of the Economy, Society, and National Security in Response to International Developments (韌性特別條例), the NT$10,000 cash distribution will commence within one month of budget approval, with the earliest disbursement anticipated Nov. 17. Party caucuses will engage in final negotiations Oct. 15, with all sides agreeing to refrain from proposing reconsiderations that could delay passage. This unprecedented coordinated legislative approach ensures swift approval of Taiwan's economic relief package amid growing international uncertainties. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.683)
