In the budget proposal of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for 2027, the central government has allocated a budget of 235.7 billion New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) for universal cash distribution. The spokesperson of the Executive Yuan, Li Huizhi, stated today (1st) that the goal is to distribute the funds before the Chinese New Year next year, and she hopes that the Legislative Yuan will expeditiously complete the relevant budget review to enable the universal cash distribution to be completed soon.
At the end of August, the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China submitted the “Central Government Annual Budget for the Year 116 (2027) and Attached Unit Budgets and Comprehensive Accounts” to the Legislative Yuan for review. The budget for the next fiscal year includes revenues and expenditures totaling 3.9266 trillion NTD, with 235.7 billion NTD allocated for universal cash distribution of ten thousand NTD per person. Li Huizhi previously stated that the AI dividend of ten thousand NTD included in the next fiscal year’s central government budget is a result of rigorous government calculations, reasonable financial discipline planning, considering the national financial capability, proposing a responsible and comprehensive AI dividend for all, without substantial borrowing and not squeezing out other existing governance priorities.
She emphasized that universal cash distribution must be based on three principles: first, it should not increase actual borrowing; second, it should not squeeze out other national governance plans such as social welfare, national defense, healthcare, education, etc.; and third, it must be legally and constitutionally sound.
In a press conference after the Executive Yuan meeting today, Li Huizhi stated that universal cash distribution requires certain administrative procedures, and relevant ministries have already initiated preparatory work with the goal of distributing the funds before the Chinese New Year next year. She also expressed hope that the Legislative Yuan would swiftly review the next fiscal year’s central government budget to complete the universal AI dividend distribution for all citizens.
Chen Yongsheng, the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of China, added that the budget for universal cash distribution comes from public expenditure budgets, and the Ministry of Finance has initiated relevant procurement processes in accordance with budget laws.
President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, recently attended a campaign event for the Democratic Progressive Party’s mayoral candidate for New Taipei City, Su Chi-hui, and stated that there is a deep connection between the policy of distributing ten thousand NTD to all citizens next year and Su Chi-hui. When drafting the budget, Su Chi-hui approached him and proposed face-to-face, “Taiwan’s economy is doing well, can we distribute a ten thousand NTD AI dividend?”
Lai Ching-te mentioned that giving money is, of course, good, but at that time, there was not enough money, so no debt should be incurred to pay out the dividend, leaving debt to the next generation. He advised Su Chi-hui to find a solution, suggesting she pray at a temple to improve the economy. If tax revenues increase and there are surpluses after budgeting in various departments, distributions could be considered, leading to Taiwan’s economic growth rate gradually exceeding 11%.
Lai Ching-te stated that while the AI dividend was proposed by Su Chi-hui and decided to be universally distributed by him, it is money earned collectively by everyone. Taiwan ranks at the top in many international rankings, including national competitiveness and freedom indices. He hopes for unity and confidence in Taiwan, assuring that regardless of international changes or uncertainties, he will steadfastly take care of Taiwan.