TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA,農業部) confirmed on Thursday (Jan. 23) that a proposal by opposition legislators has slashed its operational and equipment investment budget to just NT$1. This move follows the Legislative Yuan's decision on Tuesday (Jan. 21) to cut the central government's 2025 fiscal year budget, prompting the MOA to fear significant impacts on its operations.
The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) accused the MOA of spreading falsehoods, pointing out an NT$8.2 billion increase in this year's budget. A KMT legislator even filed a police report against the MOA, alleging misconduct. The MOA, however, reiterated its commitment to securing more funds to enhance farmer welfare, emphasizing that the budget supports essential subsidies such as agricultural fuel and electricity and increases natural disaster relief funds.
The MOA stressed the critical nature of the operational budget, warning that reducing it to NT$1 would jeopardize basic functions like utilities and communications, potentially hindering policy implementation. As the budget debate continues, the MOA and opposition parties remain at odds, with each side defending its stance on the financial allocations.
This financial dispute underscores the broader political tensions affecting Taiwan's agricultural sector.
