Weng Hsiao-ling Insists on Cutting Executive Yuan Budget; Han Kuo-yu Intervenes with Warning: 'Only About 4 Months Left This Year'

The Legislative Yuan held its second round of negotiations today (6th) on the 2026 national budget. Proposals retained after this round will proceed to a plenary vote, with 658 items still pending as of the 4th. KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling continues to insist on cutting or freezing budgets for multiple Executive Yuan operations, including the salary of Premier Cho Jung-tai, petition review services, general administrative expenses, and personal data protection programs. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, visibly concerned, urged Weng on-site: 'There are only about four months left this year—consider the timing before proposing budget cuts.'

Today’s negotiations covered budgets for the Executive Yuan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Mainland Affairs Council, and other agencies. Weng remains firm in her push to reduce Executive Yuan funding. Secretary-General Chang Tun-han, representing the Executive Yuan, warned that cutting or freezing these budgets would crowd out other essential operations and could disrupt the overall functioning of the Executive Yuan. Han Kuo-yu echoed this sentiment, telling Weng: 'Two-thirds of the year have already passed. With only about four months remaining, such late-stage budget reductions require careful thought.'

All proposals retained after the two negotiation rounds will be put to a vote in the Legislative Yuan plenary. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus leader Tsai Chi-chang expressed deep concern, stating: 'Beyond paralyzing governance or settling personal scores, I fail to understand the rationale behind this approach.' He emphasized that government agencies are legally established, and disagreement with a department's policies does not justify undermining its operations. 'The Executive Yuan has the constitutional right not to co-sign bills—a feature built into the constitutional design. Why is this now being used as grounds for budget cuts?' Tsai questioned. He added: 'Even if the Executive Yuan spokesperson says things people don’t like, the Legislative Yuan is precisely the place for dialogue, debate, and advocacy. I often disagree with KMT statements too, but this chamber should be where differing opinions coexist under democracy and freedom.'

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