As the “Mekla” typhoon’s outer circulation brings heavy, damaging rainfall to parts of Taiwan, the 115th central government budget remains stalled in the Legislative Yuan for over 300 days. Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated on June 27, 2026, that this legislative impasse has effectively blocked the execution of disaster relief funds, including emergency and secondary reserves, which require formal three-reading approval to be accessed. While some lawmakers have suggested that existing 718 million yuan in “new emerging project” funds could be used to address current needs, the administration maintains those funds are largely restricted to specific water conservancy projects.
Why the 718 million yuan budget is contested
The dispute centers on whether previously approved funds can be repurposed for immediate disaster relief. According to Kuo Ya-hui, while a 718 million yuan appropriation was passed in March, it is designated for specific water-related infrastructure rather than emergency disaster response. Kuo argued that these funds cannot be easily diverted to cover gaps caused by sudden typhoon damage. The administration maintains that using this as a justification for further delaying the broader national budget is inappropriate, as the current legislative deadlock continues to hinder the government’s ability to mobilize necessary resources.
Under current regulations, the government’s disaster preparation and secondary reserve funds require a three-reading process in the Legislative Yuan before they can be legally disbursed, leaving these resources inaccessible during the ongoing budget stalemate.
What happens next in the disaster season
With the typhoon season underway and the current year nearing its halfway point, the administration faces increasing pressure to secure funding. Government officials have noted that a separate 4-year, 100 billion yuan systematic water management plan also remains caught in the legislative process. Because weather events do not follow political schedules, there is a risk that the government may lack the immediate, flexible financial capacity to respond to evolving climate threats. If the total budget remains unpassed, authorities may face significant challenges in funding both routine disaster preparedness and unexpected emergency recovery efforts in the coming months.
The core of this conflict is the tension between legislative oversight and executive flexibility during emergencies. By holding the budget, the legislature limits the government’s “rescue capacity,” a move the administration characterizes as a direct threat to public safety. The impasse underscores a critical trade-off: while the opposition seeks to maintain strict control over discretionary spending, the executive branch argues that such rigidity leaves the public vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the government use the 718 million yuan for flood relief?
According to spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui, those funds are specifically allocated for water conservancy projects and lack the flexibility to be used for the immediate, unpredictable financial gaps caused by typhoon damage.
How long has the central government budget been stalled?
The 115th central government budget has been stuck in the legislative process for more than 300 days.
What is the administration’s main concern regarding the budget?
The administration, represented by Kuo Ya-hui, expresses concern that the lack of approved disaster reserves and overall budget delays will leave the government unable to effectively ensure the safety of citizens’ lives and property during the ongoing typhoon season.
How should the government balance legislative oversight with the need for immediate disaster response funding?
