Taiwan's opposition parties are using the National Day speech to press President Lai Ching-te for cross-party talks, a sign the island's political deadlock is deepening rather than easing.

• The KMT and TPP both say Lai talked up growth while ignoring a constitutional fight over his cabinet refusing to countersign laws passed by the legislature.
• The KMT wants immediate talks on the constitutional dispute, welfare bills and the budget, arguing winning an election does not mean owning the government.
• Both parties attacked Taiwan's K-shaped economy: AI and chip firms are booming while traditional industry gets squeezed by tariffs, currency moves and costs.
• Stocks are at records, but wages are not keeping up with high prices and housing costs, so most workers feel none of the growth.
• The KMT is also pushing a NT$20,000 cash handout and wants a clear funding plan behind Lai's new child allowance, plus a path back to talks with Beijing.

Outlook: With neither side backing down over the countersignature fight, expect the budget and major bills to stay stuck in the legislature.