Legislators hold up placards stating their respective stances during a vote at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. The Cabinet has declined to earmark funds for the raises and has sought constitutional interpretations of the bills, which are still pending. Lawmakers from the two opposition parties also blocked a proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget unveiled by Lai on Nov. 26 last year. It was the sixth time opposition lawmakers had voted against the special budget. The opposition has demanded that Lai brief the legislature on the special budget and respond to lawmakers’ questions before any review of the spending plan begins.

Source: Taipei Times January 09, 2026 17:45 UTC