Cabinet highlights programs affected by blocked budgetBy Chen Yu-fu, Lin Tse-yuan and Jason Pan / Staff reportersDisaster mitigation projects, social welfare benefits, public transport subsidies, and many programs affecting society and people’s livelihood are in jeopardy because opposition parties refuse to pass this year’s general budget, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said yesterday. It is the first time in Taiwan’s history that the general budget for the next year has not been approved before the end of the year. “We hope all parties can work together to approve the budget for people’s livelihoods, strive forward for our nation and cooperate in this new year,” Cho said. Premier Cho Jung-tai, left, and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu gesture to each other during the national flag-raising ceremony yesterday at the Presidential Office in Taipei. “Cabinet agencies have done much to become a strong pillar of support for outlying counties and enhance their connections with Taiwan proper, creating numerous infrastructure projects to promote tourism and economic growth, and improve the livelihood of residents,” Cho said.

Source: Taipei Times January 01, 2026 17:14 UTC