Taiwan's government is asking parliament to fast-track a NT$6,076 billion extra budget covering living costs, welfare, pay raises, disaster rebuilding and defense — good for households and the military if it passes, but it faces a hostile opposition-controlled legislature.

• The biggest chunk, NT$187.5 billion, goes to freezing gas, diesel, electricity and public transport prices to hold down the cost of living.
• Welfare payments rise: elderly farmer benefits go to NT$10,000 and the national pension to NT$5,000, plus a new child allowance for ages 0 to 18 starting January.
• Military and civil service pay rises are backdated to July, and the budget revives drone and unmanned attack boat purchases after lawmakers cut NT$470 billion from a defense bill.
• Money is also set aside for rebuilding after the Hualien barrier lake disaster and for handling African swine fever.
• President Lai Ching-te is pressing rival parties to drop the political fighting and pass the bill quickly.

Outlook: The budget now goes into a contested legislative session where the opposition has already shown it will cut defense spending, so delays and trimming are likely.