The Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party, is pushing for a cash bonus of NT$20,000 (approximately US$660) for every citizen. This initiative is seen as a strategy to win voter support ahead of next month's local elections.
According to Taiwanese media, including the China Times, lawmakers from the Kuomintang's Central Standing Committee announced plans to pass a special ordinance for the party's version of the 'AI Bonus' before October 28.
Kuomintang Chairman Chien Yi-shin claimed that feedback on the bonus proposal from lawmakers' constituencies has been very positive.
Chien urged party members to ensure the bill is passed before the local elections. He added that if the ruling Democratic Progressive Party votes against it, voters will clearly see “who is blocking the people's demands.”
Kuomintang lawmakers explained that the AI Bonus is a result of this year's excess tax revenue.
Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party has called for the swift passage of a separate bill proposing a bonus of NT$10,000 (approximately US$330).
President Tsai Ing-wen has instructed all party officials to enhance communication about related policies and work with the Executive Yuan to ensure the public understands the government's policy direction.
The Ministry of Finance submitted a report to the Executive Yuan on October 8 regarding the plan to distribute the AI Bonus of NT$10,000 per person.
If the central government's budget for 2027 is approved by January 5, the AI Bonus could be distributed before the Lunar New Year.
As Taiwan anticipates significant excess tax revenue, driven by the booming AI and semiconductor sectors led by TSMC, discussions on how to socially reinvest these economic gains are intensifying, similar to debates in South Korea over its projected excess tax revenue of approximately 63 trillion won this year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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