TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Tuesday that the proposed supplementary budget requires cooperation from both local and central governments to move forward.

His comments followed a visit by Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政) and Deputy Mayor Su Jun-bin (蘇俊賓), during which Chang expressed support for the supplementary budget to prevent cuts to local government subsidies, per Tai Sounds. Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) noted that Cho understands local governments’ financial concerns and will work to support jurisdictions with fewer resources.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Chang said his visit aimed to push two major Taoyuan City infrastructure projects currently in the final stages of Cabinet review, per Economic Daily News. While acknowledging that subsidy cuts have created tensions between local and central governments, he emphasized the need for collaboration.

Chang said the Cabinet should be prepared to present solid justifications to the Legislative Yuan so that lawmakers can support the supplementary budget and avoid funding shortfalls. He added that the financial strain on local governments demands clear and convincing proposals from the central government.

A Taoyuan City government official told Storm Media that Chang, as a former premier, understands the difficulty of advancing major policies and the need to apply appropriate pressure. The official stressed that Taoyuan must ensure key infrastructure projects do not stall to meet public expectations.