Lai Jui-long Urges Bipartisan Support for Budget and Key Legislation; Backs Stricter Penalties for Drugged Driving: Kaohsiung's Development Cannot Wait, Zero Tolerance for Drugged Driving

In response to the recent proposal by the Blue Camp to initiate a vote of no confidence in the government, Kaohsiung mayoral candidate and legislator Lai Jui-long stated on the 28th that while motions of no confidence fall within the constitutional authority of the Legislative Yuan and should be respected, political parties should now focus on passing the central government budget and major legislation. With rapid global changes and intensifying industrial competition, Lai emphasized that ensuring uninterrupted progress on Kaohsiung’s major infrastructure projects and industrial upgrades must be a national priority.

On the same day, the Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, significantly strengthening penalties for drugged driving. Lai, who previously proposed revisions to the law, welcomed the outcome, calling it a crucial step toward establishing a 'zero tolerance for drugged driving' regime to protect public safety.

Lai pointed out that this year’s central government budget has been delayed for 334 days since its submission in August last year—the longest delay in history. He stressed that the legislature’s most urgent task is to swiftly finalize the budget and key bills to prevent disruptions to livelihood policies, public infrastructure, and national development.

He highlighted that Taiwan stands at a pivotal moment amid global economic and geopolitical shifts, including U.S.-China tech rivalry, supply chain restructuring, and the rapid rise of AI. As a key hub for semiconductors, AI, aerospace, and smart manufacturing, Kaohsiung must seize this opportunity, and political parties should set aside rivalry to jointly advance the economy, construction, and industrial transformation.

Lai noted that the delayed budget directly impacts critical projects in Kaohsiung. For instance, the city’s metro system faces a funding shortfall of NT$10.3 billion due to amendments to the Fiscal Revenue and Expenditure Allocation Act, while the Dapinpu relocation project’s initial phase, requiring approximately NT$6 billion, is also stalled. Additionally, the Special Act for the Procurement of Indigenous Unmanned Vehicles for National Defense affects defense autonomy and the development of Kaohsiung’s drone, aerospace, and metal fastener industries, along with employment opportunities, and must be passed promptly.

Lai urged that political competition should be confined to elections, while cooperation should be reserved for national interests. Placing people’s welfare first, all parties must work together to pass the budget and key legislation, enabling Kaohsiung to capitalize on global industrial shifts.

Regarding the revised Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, Lai emphasized that drug use severely impairs the central nervous system, making drugged driving a grave threat to road safety. The amendments mark a milestone in establishing a zero-tolerance system. Key provisions include immediate license revocation for first-time drugged driving offenses, mandatory vehicle confiscation for those refusing drug tests, and automatic license annulment upon confirmed drug use—measures designed to reduce risks at the source.

The law also imposes harsher penalties and vehicle confiscation for unlicensed driving during the revocation period. For the first time, passengers aged 18 and over are held jointly liable and required to actively discourage illegal behavior. Furthermore, individuals whose licenses are revoked due to drugged driving or drug use must complete addiction treatment, preventive education, and related courses. Only after passing re-examinations and a probationary period can they reapply for a license.

Lai stressed that every drugged driving incident leaves families with irreparable pain. Only through stricter legal frameworks can such behavior be effectively deterred and public safety ensured. He reiterated his call for political parties to refocus on livelihood and infrastructure, prioritizing the passage of the budget and key legislation to sustain Kaohsiung’s development, industrial upgrading, and safer transportation environments.