TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) warned on Tuesday (Nov. 5) that the stalled central government budget could impact next year's 3% pay raise for civil servants, teachers, and military personnel. He emphasized the urgency of addressing public health needs and highlighted the severe implications for international military procurement cooperation, which affects Taiwan's global credibility.
The Legislative Yuan invited Premier Cho to present the 2025 central government budget and the fifth phase of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program (前瞻基礎建設計畫). Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) raised concerns during the session, noting that the budget impasse could jeopardize new initiatives, including the planned pay raise, the Healthy Taiwan Initiative, and military procurement projects.
Su Chun-jung (蘇俊榮), director of the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, stated that without budget approval, the 3% pay raise cannot proceed. He stressed that the process hinges on the Legislative Yuan's discussions.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) added that delays in budget approval would hinder projects like the indigenous submarine program and the development of a drone industry park. Minister Koo further remarked that Taiwan's commitment to self-defense could be questioned internationally if the defense budget remains unapproved.
He responded to Wang's inquiry about the distribution of 25,000 new rifles next year, affirming manufacturing capabilities but noting that funding cannot be allocated without budget approval, potentially affecting project timelines. This budget standoff highlights the critical intersection of domestic policy and international reputation, urging swift legislative action to ensure Taiwan maintains its defense readiness and fulfills its commitments.
