Taipei: The first stop of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) nationwide budget explainer tour in Taichung on Saturday was focused on criticizing opposition-imposed spending cuts. The event, initially intended to discuss budget issues, saw Premier Cho Jung-tai and other DPP leaders attacking the revised budget passed by the Legislature, where the KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) hold a majority.

According to Focus Taiwan, the DPP had earlier stated that the tour, spanning eight dates, would emphasize Cabinet members addressing the budget cuts and freezes. The party also urged the public not to confuse these events with campaigns to recall opposition lawmakers. Despite the Cabinet's acceptance of the revised budget after failing to overturn it in a legislative revote, the event was marked by strong rhetoric against the opposition.

Premier Cho Jung-tai criticized the revised budget, labeling the cuts as "absurd." He highlighted Taiwan's economic performance in 2024, citing a 4.59 percent growth and a per capita national income of US$33,000. Cho also raised concerns about the redistribution of NT$370 billion from the central to local governments, questioning the intended use of these funds by local authorities.

The event saw participation from other DPP figures, including Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang, DPP legislative caucus secretary-general Wu Szu-yao, and local lawmakers Tsai Chi-chang and Ho Hsin-chun. Additionally, six booths were set up by civil society groups to gather signatures for the second stage of recall petitions.

Despite the DPP's assertions that the tour was not intended to promote recall campaigns against KMT lawmakers, KMT lawmaker Hsu Yu-chen announced her party's plans for at least 100 policy explanation sessions between March 20 and May 20. Hsu emphasized that these sessions would focus on improving people's livelihoods and not merely reacting to the DPP's actions.

A KMT source stated that the party's actions were driven by the DPP's reluctance to negotiate with opposition lawmakers, underscoring the need to focus on policies beneficial to the public rather than engaging in political battles.