New Population Strategy: Opposition Lawmakers Criticize 'Central Government Promises, Local Government Pays'
President Lai Ching-te's NT$3800 billion population strategy faces criticism from KMT lawmakers over potential fiscal burdens on local governments. They argue that housing policy is the key to solving the birthrate crisis.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 18:53
- 🔍 Collected: June 2, 2026 at 19:11 (18 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 19:13 (1 min after Collected)
(CNA) President Lai Ching-te announced a new population strategy with 18 measures, totaling NT$3800 billion annually. KMT lawmaker Lai Shyh-bao stated this has sparked controversy over "central government promises, local government pays." He noted that the central government announced large-scale welfare policies without explaining the funding source to local governments, which could face an annual burden of NT$80-150 billion. Lai argued that with the new fiscal allocation law not yet in effect, local governments are struggling and the central government should bear the full cost. Lawmaker Huang Chien-hao suggested that the best solution to the low birthrate is addressing housing, citing South Korea's success in using housing policy to encourage marriage and childbirth. Lawmaker Lee Yen-hsiu emphasized the need for performance indicators to allow the Legislative Yuan to effectively supervise the policy.
FAQ
Why is housing policy important?
Securing housing is the biggest barrier for young people considering marriage and childbirth.