Taiwan's government says this year's central budget has been squeezed so hard by the legislature that normal operations are at risk — bad news for agencies, and a sign of deepening political deadlock in Taipei.

• Lawmakers cut about NT$48 billion from the 2026 central government budget and froze another NT$34.8 billion.
• Premier Cho Jung-tai says the freezes work like cuts, because unlocking much of the money requires special reports to the legislature and only four months are left in the year.
• Media, publicity and administrative budgets were hit hardest, with some agencies losing those lines entirely and the broadcasting regulator's basic operating funds cut by more than half.
• Cho argues the opposition-controlled legislature is overstepping its constitutional role and letting political conflict damage public services.

Outlook: Ministries will scramble to file reports and unfreeze funds before year-end, while the fight repeats over next year's budget.