President Lai Announces NT$380 Billion 'New Demographic Strategy', Rebuts Opposition Claims
President Lai Ching-te announced a 'New Demographic Strategy' featuring 18 measures, including a growth allowance for children aged 0-18, with a total budget of NT$380 billion. Lai emphasized the plan is comprehensive and was part of his campaign platform, distinguishing it from opposition proposals.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 15:25
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Central News Agency, Taipei, May 27. President Lai Ching-te stated today that the 'Taiwan Future Account' proposed by opposition parties remains a subsidy-based approach to the low birth rate. He emphasized that the government's newly announced 'New Demographic Strategy' is a comprehensive plan that he proposed during his presidential campaign. With national economic growth expected, he believes the time is right to introduce growth allowances for children aged 0 to 18.
KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun and TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang recently announced a push for the 'Taiwan Future Account' bill, which would deposit NT$50,000 into accounts for children under 12, with an annual top-up of NT$10,000. The initial fund size would be NT$113 billion, primarily invested in the Taiwan stock market.
President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai, and other officials, announced 18 measures under the 'New Demographic Strategy—Family Support Chapter.' These include growth allowances for ages 0-18, expanded subsidies for artificial reproduction, tax cuts for childcare families, and extended marriage, maternity, and paternity leave. The goal is to address demographic challenges and support generations from the 'sandwich' generation to Gen Z.
Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tun-han reported that the policy will add NT$205 billion in annual budget, with a total injection of NT$380 billion, benefiting an estimated 27.7 million people.
When asked by media if the growth allowance was plagiarized from opposition proposals, Lai responded that the opposition's proposal came after that of DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen, which itself followed the 'Future Account' concept proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai stressed that his strategy is a comprehensive plan based on his campaign vision, distinct from the opposition's subsidy-focused approach.
Lai noted that with 2024 economic growth at 5.6%, last year at 8.69%, and Q1 of this year at 13.69%, tax revenues have increased, making the timing right for these policies. Premier Cho Jung-tai added that the NT$380 billion represents about 1% of Taiwan's GDP, a scale comparable to South Korea's efforts to address demographic issues.
KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun and TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang recently announced a push for the 'Taiwan Future Account' bill, which would deposit NT$50,000 into accounts for children under 12, with an annual top-up of NT$10,000. The initial fund size would be NT$113 billion, primarily invested in the Taiwan stock market.
President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai, and other officials, announced 18 measures under the 'New Demographic Strategy—Family Support Chapter.' These include growth allowances for ages 0-18, expanded subsidies for artificial reproduction, tax cuts for childcare families, and extended marriage, maternity, and paternity leave. The goal is to address demographic challenges and support generations from the 'sandwich' generation to Gen Z.
Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tun-han reported that the policy will add NT$205 billion in annual budget, with a total injection of NT$380 billion, benefiting an estimated 27.7 million people.
When asked by media if the growth allowance was plagiarized from opposition proposals, Lai responded that the opposition's proposal came after that of DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen, which itself followed the 'Future Account' concept proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai stressed that his strategy is a comprehensive plan based on his campaign vision, distinct from the opposition's subsidy-focused approach.
Lai noted that with 2024 economic growth at 5.6%, last year at 8.69%, and Q1 of this year at 13.69%, tax revenues have increased, making the timing right for these policies. Premier Cho Jung-tai added that the NT$380 billion represents about 1% of Taiwan's GDP, a scale comparable to South Korea's efforts to address demographic issues.
FAQ
What is the budget for Taiwan's demographic strategy?
A total of 380 billion NTD will be invested.