KMT lawmakers criticize Taiwan's proposed universal cash distribution

Members of the Kuomintang (KMT) have criticized the administration of President Lai Ching-te over a proposed universal cash distribution of 10,000 TWD, accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of political double standards.

KMT legislator Hsu Yu-chen argued that the government is misrepresenting the fiscal impact of the distribution. She noted that the funds are part of a larger 545 billion TWD resilience special act covering various sectors, rather than being a standalone debt-funded measure. Hsu claimed the DPP previously dismissed such payments as ineffective or as attempts to buy votes, but is now rebranding them as ‘AI dividends’ and ‘shared prosperity’ to boost popularity.

Similarly, KMT legislator Ko Chih-en questioned whether the timing of the proposal is intended to bolster election prospects. She pointed out that while the DPP previously criticized the policy as unconstitutional or a burden on future generations, officials are now praising it as a way to stabilize livelihoods. Ko emphasized that while she supports sharing economic benefits with the public, the shift in stance appears politically motivated.