TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) criticized opposition parties for major cuts to the federal budget during a 30-minute speech in Taichung on Sunday afternoon.

The event marked the start of an eight-city tour organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to rally public support for restoring government spending. Attendees were also invited to sign recall petitions targeting Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers who initiated the budget cuts, CNA reported.

Billed as "People Are the Boss," the outdoor rally took place at Taichung’s Shui An Temple. The crowd exceeded the expected 800 participants, spilling over to the nearby MRT station.

Cho, the final speaker, took the stage wielding a "green lightsaber" and said the government could afford increased spending this year due to Taiwan’s strong economic performance. He cited 4.59% GDP growth in 2023, rising personal incomes, and the stock market index surpassing 20,000.

He argued that spending cuts and fund redistribution violated the government’s pact with the public. The DPP’s budget supported new projects, including MRT stations, hospitals, public housing, national pensions, rent subsidies, and defense spending. Cutting these programs, he said, would slow Taiwan’s progress.

Cho noted that local government budgets have increased compared to last year, citing Taichung’s 7% budget rise as an example.

He criticized the redistribution of NT$370 billion (US$11.2 billion) from the central government to local governments, arguing that the lack of spending guidelines could hinder future projects, including railway electrification, biomedical parks, public childcare, industrial parks, and social welfare programs.

Cho also warned of growing threats from China, saying defense spending cuts are not the right response. He urged the public to remember that there is only one Taiwan and to oppose annexation, infiltration, and support stronger national security.