Premier Cho Jung-tai Reaffirms Refusal to Countersign Senior Welfare Bill, Warning of Public Backlash

Premier Cho Jung-tai has once again publicly confirmed his refusal to countersign the controversial Senior Welfare Act amendment, which proposes exempting citizens aged 65 and older from National Health Insurance premiums funded entirely by the central government. Premier Cho argued that utilizing state resources to manipulate or protect electoral prospects through such sweeping fiscal policies is inappropriate and ultimately damages constitutional order and financial stability. He warned that prioritizing short-term political gains over sound governance will inevitably provoke strong public resentment.

The decision has triggered a fierce political debate across Taiwan. While opposition parties, including the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party, have heavily criticized the Executive Yuan for double standards and stalling measures that benefit the elderly, the government remains firm on its stance. Officials from the ruling administration expressed deep concern that the sweeping mandate would severely burden national finances and derail the existing fiscal framework, creating long-term economic instability.

The controversy has also resonated locally, influencing regional dynamics such as the upcoming mayoral race in Taichung, where local party branches and legislative candidates have voiced contrasting views on financial relief measures and public welfare distribution. Despite mounting political pressure from various factions as election seasons approach, Premier Cho maintains that safeguarding the integrity of Taiwan’s constitutional system and fiscal discipline takes precedence over temporary electoral advantage.

Sources: 自由時報