TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislators will report for duty on Sunday (Sept. 1), the start of the second legislative session of the year, running annually from September to December.
DPP caucus leader Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) told CNA on Sunday (Aug. 25), that the top priority for the new session is the passage of the Cabinet's NT$3 trillion (US$94.2 billion) central government budget for 2025. Wu said support from opposition KMT and TPP lawmakers will be needed to pass the budget.
Wu’s counterpart, KMT caucus leader Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷), said the budget would be carefully reviewed, making necessary adjustments before passage. The spring legislative session saw numerous conflicts between legislators, so consensus may be difficult.
The proposed budget will increase spending on social welfare, education, science, and culture, while spending on national defense will reach a new high. Wu said this is the first budget by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), showcasing national development priorities.
Wu said other agenda items for the legislative session include bills about the National Communications Commission (NCC), Examination Yuan, constitutional procedure bills, pension reform, and a draft national security law. Wu said the DPP hopes for bipartisanship and calls on the opposition parties to avoid boycotts and other actions that could paralyze the government.
Meanwhile, Hung said the KMT will prioritize people's livelihoods, fraud prevention, whistleblower protection, and financial planning. Hong hoped bills could pass their third reading in the legislative session.
Hung said the initial budget is more than NT$3 trillion without the inclusion of special budgets. Given the budget's size, it should be scrutinized before passage, Hung said.
TPP caucus leader Vicky Chen (陳智菡) said her party held a policy meeting on Friday (Aug. 23), chaired by TPP Party Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲). Chen said priority bills gaining TPP support include housing issues, renewable energy, personal data, and anti-media monopolies.
