Taiwan's opposition is attacking President Lai Ching-te for promising every eligible person a NT$10,000 cash payout next year — good news for people's wallets, awkward for the government's fiscal credibility.

• Lai says Taiwan's economy will grow at its fastest pace in 39 years, driven by chips and manufacturing, and wants to share the gains as an "AI dividend."
• The KMT points out it proposed the same NT$10,000 payout back in May, when the government called it a fiscal burden.
• Opposition parties say the timing is political, coming just before November local elections.
• The total bill runs to NT$235.7 billion, and lawmakers are questioning its legal basis and why the money only arrives next year.

Outlook: The handout looks likely to pass, but expect a fight over its timing and funding as the November elections approach.