TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defense budget was blocked from being placed on the legislative agenda for a second time Friday, as opposition parties renewed demands that Lai deliver a state-of-the-nation address to the Legislature.

The eight-year defense spending plan was stalled after lawmakers from the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party said they would only consider the budget if Lai appeared before the Legislature to explain the proposal and answer questions. Opposition lawmakers argue the plan lacks sufficient detail, relies on debt financing, and could force cuts to other government spending, per Liberty Times.

DPP Legislator Shen Po-yang (沈伯洋) criticized the demand as unconstitutional, citing a 2024 amendment to the Act on Exercising Legislative Yuan Powers spearheaded by the KMT and TPP. Shen said portions of the amendment, including requiring the president to deliver a state-of-the-nation address and directly answer questions, have already been ruled unconstitutional.

“The request for the president to appear in the Legislature under these conditions is politically and procedurally absurd,” Shen said. He said if lawmakers have concerns about the budget, it should be reviewed through the committee process to assess whether funds would be spent effectively.

“Why is it linked to the president’s state-of-the-nation address? Whenever we encounter a bill we don’t like, we can say the president didn’t report and therefore refuse to review it? Is this reasonable?”

Shen said Lai is not unwilling to deliver such an address, but that it must be done in a lawful and constitutionally compliant manner.

KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) said Lai has failed to fulfill a campaign promise to report to the Legislature on major national policies and answer questions. He urged Lai to continue his “Ten Lectures on Unity” and clearly explain to the public why NT$1.25 trillion has been allocated for military procurement.

Taiwan People’s Party legislative caucus convener Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) questioned whether the NT$1.25 trillion defense budget would crowd out social welfare and education spending, saying the public still does not know what weapons or systems would be purchased.

Shen also warned that the opposition is simultaneously advancing a separate proposal involving NT$700 billion in pension-related spending over 10 years, arguing it would burden younger generations while blocking funds intended to strengthen national defense.

“The KMT and TPP are rejecting the future of young people and the defense budget meant to protect the next generation,” Shen said.