President Lai donates 200,000 TWD to support sheltered workshops

President Lai Ching-te has pledged to donate 200,000 TWD to purchase products from sheltered workshops, aiming to encourage public and corporate support for social welfare organizations. This move follows a budget crisis where the Presidential Office's state affairs discretionary funds were reduced by 10 million TWD and another 20 million TWD was frozen.

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an explained that the office had originally planned to procure Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes and other goods from 37 sheltered workshops and non-profit groups. However, the budget cuts have made it impossible to fulfill the original orders. The office held a press conference to promote these charitable products, noting that the loss of orders during the Mid-Autumn peak season could impact the operations of these organizations.

In addition to President Lai, other Democratic Progressive Party members have expressed support, including Lai Jui-lung, who donated 200,000 TWD, and Legislative Yuan caucus leader Tsai Chi-chang, who contributed 250,000 TWD. While many supporters have rallied to purchase the products, some political commentators have questioned why the party is stepping in to resolve issues caused by opposition budget decisions.