TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) criticized opposition proposals to cut or freeze budgets for national defense, culture, civil servant travel, and education on Friday (Jan. 17). He noted that these proposals have sparked widespread outrage. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan (行政院主計總處), has prepared the 2025 central government budget, which the Legislative Yuan (立法院) is currently reviewing.
The budget outlines a revenue of NT$3.1534 trillion and an expenditure of NT$3.1325 trillion, leaving a surplus of NT$20.9 billion. Cho urged the Legislative Yuan to support the central government budget, emphasizing Taiwan's essential connections with the world in high-tech, academia, culture, and sports. He warned that freezing foreign travel budgets would cause significant disruptions.
Cho pointed out that many ministries face cuts to domestic travel budgets, suggesting that without these funds, ministries might remain confined to Taipei offices, affecting interactions with local and civil groups. He stated that budget cuts should have a calculation standard. The significant reductions will weaken national competitiveness and defense strength, discounting Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Cho encouraged the opposition to reduce the scope of budget cuts, hoping for a positive start next week. He stressed that the government's progress cannot halt, underscoring the importance of maintaining Taiwan's competitive edge and defense capabilities.
