KMT to Hold 100 Policy Briefings Nationwide, Targeting DPP’s Budget and Recall Campaigns

Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has announced a plan to hold 100 policy briefings across the country between March 20 and May 20, aiming to counter the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) narrative and bolster public support.

The announcement came just a day after the DPP launched its own policy briefing series, which consists of only eight events. The KMT’s aggressive expansion of these briefings suggests a strategic push to engage directly with the public, particularly as political tensions intensify over key legislative battles and recall efforts.

KMT’s Strategy: Countering DPP’s Agenda and Mobilizing Support

Focusing on People’s Livelihood Over Politics

At a press event in Yunlin County, KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) stated that the party’s briefings are designed to inform the public about the real impact of government policies while exposing the DPP’s political maneuvers.

“Now the whole party is united in opposing the DPP’s malicious recall vote activities. The KMT is focusing on people’s livelihoods, while the DPP only cares about politics,” said Chu.

The DPP has recently initiated recall campaigns against district-elected officials, a move the KMT argues is an abuse of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act for political gain.

NT$10,000 Tax Rebate Push

One of the key points of the KMT’s policy briefings will be pushing for a NT$10,000 (US$305) tax rebate for citizens. The party has been advocating for the government to return surplus tax revenues to the public, a proposal that has gained traction among voters frustrated by rising costs of living.

“Our priority is to make sure the government uses public funds to actually benefit the people, rather than playing political games,” Chu emphasized.

Budget Cuts and Revenue Allocation Act Revisions

Another major focus of the KMT’s briefings will be explaining their approach to budget adjustments and financial reforms. The party seeks to revise the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, which dictates how Taiwan’s central and local governments divide tax revenues.

The KMT argues that the current system is imbalanced, disproportionately favoring certain local governments over others. The DPP, however, has criticized the KMT’s proposed changes, claiming they would undermine funding for critical public projects.

DPP Responds, Criticizes KMT Budget Decisions

The DPP’s first policy briefing in Taichung focused heavily on attacking the KMT’s handling of budget revisions in the Legislature.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and other top officials defended the original government budget, arguing that the KMT’s proposed cuts would harm infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development.

DPP officials also accused the KMT and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)—which together hold a legislative majority—of passing “unreasonable” budget revisions that could destabilize Taiwan’s economic plans.

“The KMT’s budget cuts are irresponsible and will only hurt the people they claim to be helping,” said a DPP spokesperson.

Political Implications and Public Reaction

The battle between the KMT and DPP over fiscal policy, tax rebates, and recall votes is set to dominate Taiwan’s political discourse in the coming months.

With the KMT expanding its grassroots outreach, the party hopes to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and frame the DPP as being out of touch.

Meanwhile, the DPP is doubling down on its economic vision, presenting itself as the only party capable of ensuring long-term stability.

The effectiveness of these dueling policy briefings could play a significant role in shaping public opinion ahead of future elections and policy battles in the Legislature.

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