Key facts
- Taiwan's parliament approved the annual government budget.
- The budget approval followed a record delay.
- Significant funding was allocated to a drone program.
- The drone program aims to bolster defense against China.
- President Lai Ching-te called for professionalism in budget reviews.
- Opposition parties showed goodwill by approving most of the budget.
- Taiwan's parliament approved three referendums.
- One referendum concerns caning sex criminals and fraudsters.
- Another referendum supports nuclear power.
- The referendums are likely to be held on November 28.
- The referendums will coincide with local elections.
Taiwan's parliament has passed its annual government budget, concluding a period of record delays in its approval. A key allocation within the budget is significant funding designated for a drone program, intended to strengthen the island's defense against potential threats from China. President Lai Ching-te addressed the situation, urging a return to more professional standards in the process of reviewing and approving budgets. Opposition parties, in turn, pointed to their support for the majority of the budget as a demonstration of goodwill.
In addition to the budget, Taiwan's parliament has also approved the holding of three referendums. One of these referendums will address the issue of caning individuals convicted of sex crimes and fraud. Another referendum will focus on public support for nuclear power. These referendums are anticipated to take place on November 28, a date that coincides with the scheduled local elections, potentially increasing voter turnout and engagement.