Hualien: The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) held separate policy briefings on Saturday, each presenting their perspectives to the public regarding the current state of politics.
According to Focus Taiwan, the DPP's third briefing took place in Hualien County, where Premier Cho Jung-tai addressed the public, urging them to "remove the barrier hindering Hualien's progress and Taiwan's democracy." This statement referred to efforts to recall KMT legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi, whose constituency lies in the county. Premier Cho criticized the Legislature for proposing what he deemed "unconstitutional" or "illegal" bills, which he argued have a widespread impact.
The opposition parties, including the KMT and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), hold a majority in the Legislature. Cho expressed dissatisfaction with the revised budget that was upheld by the Legislature earlier in the month, accusing the opposition of making cuts that reduced expenses for specific government departments. He claimed these cuts are intended to create public insecurity and resentment toward the government, fostering distrust within society.
Cho also voiced concerns over the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, arguing that they would allow local governments to spend more without accountability. These changes, he said, would negatively affect subsidies for energy-efficient appliances, support for small and medium enterprises, and water management programs.
Simultaneously, the KMT conducted its briefing in Miaoli County, where party chairman Eric Chu called on the local audience to support KMT lawmaker Chiu Cheng-chun and Chen Chao-ming, an independent lawmaker aligned with the KMT. Both lawmakers face potential recalls. Chu praised their efforts to revise the government expenditure allocation act to secure more funding for Miaoli County and their diligence in reviewing annual budgets to prevent tax revenue waste.
Chiu argued that the recall efforts are designed to distract the KMT from being an effective opposition. Chen described the fight against the recalls as a battle for Taiwan's democracy.
Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, responding to press inquiries, stated that revisions to the government expenditure allocation act are crucial to resolving Miaoli's financial difficulties. He noted that the central government had significantly reduced subsidies to local governments, highlighting concerns over safety issues such as unsafe bridges, and expressed a hope for cooperation from the central government.