Cho laments budget cut: 'Can't inspect flood zones, only make phone calls' – Executive Yuan: 90% of funds slashed by legislature

Severe flooding has hit southern Taiwan, and on the 24th, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that due to budget cuts by the Legislative Yuan, he has been limited to phone communication with local governments in recent days, drawing criticism from opposition parties. In response, Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih explained that the 'Policy Promotion Contact Fund,' originally allocated for the premier to respond to natural disasters, conduct on-site inspections, and promote post-disaster recovery, was cut by 90%, amounting to over NT$5.53 million. As a result, Premier Cho's schedule during the disaster response period has been restricted.

Li Hui-chih stated that according to past mechanisms for typhoons and floods, the central government has established disaster relief standards and procedures. Going forward, assistance will be provided to local governments for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction in accordance with relevant regulations. However, due to the Legislative Yuan's significant cuts to central government budgets, the 'Policy Promotion Contact Fund'—allocated for the premier's disaster response, on-site inspections in affected areas, and post-disaster recovery efforts—was reduced by 90%, or approximately NT$5.53 million, thereby limiting Premier Cho's related activities during the emergency response period.

Li Hui-chih emphasized that Premier Cho is highly concerned about the southern disaster situation. In addition to contacting local governments by phone to understand the damage across regions, he also received a report from Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng during the morning's Executive Meeting. Premier Cho is scheduled to attend the Central Emergency Operations Center at 2:30 p.m. to hold a video conference with county and city leaders to further grasp the extent of damage and local governments' actual needs.

Considering the current rainfall and traffic conditions in southern Taiwan, Li stated that to avoid disrupting frontline emergency operations by local governments, Premier Cho is currently relying on phone calls and video conferences to monitor the disaster situation and local needs. Once local governments have further compiled damage assessments, Premier Cho has instructed that he will overcome all difficulties and personally visit the sites to understand the situation firsthand. He will then assist local governments in advancing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts according to existing regulations, standards, and relevant measures.

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