Taiwan to hand out cash to every citizen, KMT pushes for double

Aug 18, 2026

Taiwan's government will give every person NT$10,000 next year, and the opposition wants that doubled — good news for households either way.

  • President Lai Ching-te announced a NT$10,000 cash handout for everyone next year, funded through the central budget.
  • The opposition KMT says the government should pay NT$20,000 instead, arguing this year's strong finances should be returned this year.
  • Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an backed the bigger sum, saying NT$10,000 disappears after a few grocery runs.
  • The KMT says the plan is an admission that cash handouts are sound policy, not vote-buying as the ruling party once called them.
  • Taiwan's economy is expected to grow around 11% this year, leaving the government with spare cash from the AI boom.

Outlook: Expect a budget fight over the size of the handout, with the KMT pushing for a single NT$20,000 payment as early as January.

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