Taiwan's plan to give every citizen NT$10,000 is turning into a political fight over timing and size, with critics saying people will wait months longer than necessary.

• President Lai Ching-te announced an extra NT$235.7 billion in next year's central budget to fund a NT$10,000 handout for every person.
• KMT Taoyuan city councilor Ling Tao wants it doubled to NT$20,000 and paid out by the Mid-Autumn Festival instead of around next Lunar New Year.
• Past handouts — stimulus vouchers, the 2023 NT$6,000 payout, and the NT$10,000 approved in 2025 — all went through special legislation, which is faster than the annual budget.
• Critics argue the money is there: a hot stock market could push full-year trading to NT$750 billion, lifting securities transaction tax revenue sharply.
• Tying the cash to the overall budget is being framed as leverage over the legislature rather than help for the public.

Outlook: Expect a drawn-out fight in the legislature over whether the handout moves to a special bill and gets paid sooner.