New Population Strategy; Huang Kuo-chang: Similar to TPP's Policy Proposals

President Lai Ching-te announced 18 new strategies today to address the challenges of low birth rates and population structure in Taiwan, with an estimated annual increase of NT$205 billion in budget, totaling NT$380 billion. The Executive Yuan will establish a new population strategy execution team, with Premier Cho Jung-tai serving as the convener to track policy progress. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang stated in a press release that he welcomes the ruling party's recognition of the national security crisis of low birth rates and its follow-up on many policies previously advocated by the Taiwan People's Party. However, he noted that the relevant budget is not seen in this year's central government budget, and there is no plan for where the future funding will come from. He questioned whether the government would cut from general expenditures or rely on special budgets and debt. Huang mentioned that when the TPP and KMT pushed for the 'Taiwan Future Account' last year, the DPP criticized it as irresponsible spending. He hopes the DPP legislators will now use that same intensity to scrutinize this new package. Regarding President Lai's claim about the timing of the 'Taiwan Future Account' bill, Huang pointed out that the TPP and KMT submitted their draft on January 9 this year, while DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen only submitted his on January 28, suggesting the President 'read the wrong script again.' Huang believes the package, which includes flexible working hours, extended maternity and paternity leave, increased childcare subsidies, and housing support, overlaps significantly with policies previously proposed by the TPP and former Chairman Ko Wen-je. He urged the DPP government, saying, 'We welcome the copying of good policies, but please don't fail at the copying itself.'