Taipei: Opposition parties in Taiwan have once again obstructed the passage of a special budget aimed at enhancing the nation's defense capabilities, along with the general 2026 budget. This action was taken due to the opposition's claims that the government has failed to prepare a budget in compliance with legal standards.

According to Focus Taiwan, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had planned to advance the budget proposals to a committee for further review during the legislative session on Friday. However, the motion was defeated by a 59-50 vote, with legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) opposing it.

Premier Cho Jung-tai had previously cautioned that not passing the NT$3.03 trillion (US$95.88 billion) general budget could hinder the central government's ability to access NT$299.2 billion in vital funds, which are crucial for defense and local government allocations. These funds are intended for new initiatives, ongoing programs, and disaster reserves. Despite the setback, the government retains access to a "provisional budget" mechanism based on the previous year's approved budget for essential payments, such as civil servant salaries and social welfare.

KMT caucus Secretary-General Lo Chih-chiang expressed his caucus's hope that President Lai Ching-te's administration would adhere to legal standards in budget compilation. Lo emphasized the need for full allocation of funds for military pay raises and pension increases for retired police officers and firefighters, as mandated by bills passed last year by opposition parties. The Cabinet has not earmarked funds for these raises and is seeking constitutional interpretations of the pending bills.

Additionally, opposition lawmakers blocked a proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget, marking the sixth rejection of such a proposal. The opposition insists that President Lai should address the Legislature and respond to inquiries before any budget review. The TPP has criticized the defense budget proposal, arguing that delays in U.S.-ordered weapon deliveries make it unreasonable to support what they describe as an "opaque" spending plan lacking clear funding details.