TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) on Wednesday (Feb. 26) opposed the Kuomintang's (KMT, 國民黨) proposal of universal cash payments suggesting instead that tax surplus should pay debts or benefit future projects.
Taiwan's tax revenue exceeded the budget target by NT$528.3 billion last year, with the central government surpassing NT$375.7 billion and local governments by NT$80.2 billion.
DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng (吳崢) and New Taipei City Councilor Tai Wei-shan (戴瑋姍) criticized the KMT during a press conference, arguing that resources should be allocated to infrastructure, social welfare, and improving the investment environment to attract foreign investors to Taiwan.
Wu also challenged the KMT's logic, questioning why Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, areas under their governance, did not distribute cash despite having budget surpluses in 2023.
Meanwhile, a KMT think tank poll suggested that 66.3% of the public supported using the NT$528.3 billion surplus for universal cash distribution. Wu Cheng, however, questioned the credibility of this poll.
The debate over how to use Taiwan's tax surplus continues, with both parties presenting contrasting visions for the country's fiscal future. As discussions unfold, the implications for Taiwan's economic strategy and public welfare remain significant.
