Premier Cho Jung-tai delivered a spirited 30-minute address in Taichung on Sunday, condemning major budget cuts passed by opposition parties and urging the public to support restoring government spending. The outdoor rally, organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as part of an eight-city tour, drew an unexpectedly large crowd and allowed attendees to sign recall petitions targeting Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers responsible for the cuts.
Speaking in front of Taichung’s Shui An Temple, Cho brandished a “green lightsaber” and insisted that Taiwan’s recent economic success—including 4.59% GDP growth in 2023 and a stock market index surpassing 20,000—warrants increased government spending rather than reductions. He argued that significant cuts and the reallocation of funds undermine newly planned programs such as expansions to the MRT system, public housing, pension reform, rent subsidies, and defense initiatives.
Cho also cited Taichung’s own 7% budget increase from last year as an example of why the DPP believes increased investment can fuel regional development. He criticized the opposition’s NT$370 billion (US$11.2 billion) redistribution of central government funds to local governments, warning that, without proper guidelines, important future projects—ranging from railway electrification to public childcare—could be at risk.
The premier underscored the pressing need for continued defense spending amid potential threats from neighboring countries. Calling for public vigilance, Cho reminded the audience that preserving the island’s autonomy and rejecting any form of infiltration or annexation remains a critical priority.
