TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday urged lawmakers to complete their review of the central government budget for 2027 on time, after the 2026 budget took 351 days to clear the legislature.
CNA reported that lawmakers passed the 2026 central government budget in a final reading Friday. Lai said the government submitted the spending plan to the legislature in August 2025 and that it should have been approved by the end of that year.
Lai said he regretted that the final budget still contained what he considered unreasonable spending cuts and freezes. These included major cuts to government publicity spending and freezes that affected the normal operation of government agencies and the salaries of senior officials.
The president said overseeing the government and reviewing its budget are important constitutional duties of the legislature. However, he said lawmakers should examine spending proposals using professional judgment and proportionate standards rather than allowing political disagreements to disrupt government operations.
Lai thanked Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and the Cabinet for keeping the government running while the budget remained under legislative review. He said officials continued responding to rapid changes in the global economy and international politics while addressing domestic issues involving people's livelihoods.
The Cabinet is scheduled to approve the 2027 central government budget on Thursday, Lai said. He said the government plans to use the benefits of economic growth to provide more support for families and invest in the country's future, per Economic Daily News.
The spending plan will include financial support for children and young people from birth to age 18 and expanded assistance for childbirth, child care, and parenting. It will also increase investment in technology, public infrastructure, industrial upgrades and national defense.
Lai said the measures are intended to strengthen the country's ability to respond to international changes while improving its long-term economic competitiveness and security. He added the budget will directly affect the daily lives of families across the country.
