Title: Taiwan's Controversial Military Bill: Boosting Recruitment Amid Legal Scrutiny
By Sam Garcia / Staff writer, with CNA
Lawmakers approve legislation on military wages.
The Taiwanese Legislative Yuan has taken a step towards boosting military recruitment and retention by approving a bill that grants a monthly NT$30,000 allowance for service members and higher salaries for combat units. Although this measure is intended to encourage more volunteers due to the intensifying cross-strait tensions, the bill has caused a stir with high-level objections relating to the Budget Act and the Constitution.
The KMT's Proposition
Proposing these amendments to the Pay Act of the Armed Forces, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus argued that salaries should be raised to reflect the increased frequency of duties and training, as well as act as recruitment incentives and retain top talent. The bill also seeks to standardize regional allowances, incentivize recruitment, allow for overtime pay, and adjust salaries to offset inflation.
Premier Cho's Concerns
Despite Premier Cho Jung-tai's concerns that the bill contravenes the Budget Act and the Constitution, the Legislative Yuan passed it during its third reading, set to go into effect on January 1, 2023. The Budget Act necessitates the Legislative Yuan to consult the Executive Yuan before introducing legislation that significantly increases annual central government expenditure. However, the bill was approved despite these objections.
In a news conference earlier in the day, Premier Cho warned lawmakers against repeating the same mistakes or the Executive Yuan would take action if necessary.
The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Proposal
The TPP caucus, in a press conference, shared its own version of the amendment following its failure to reach a consensus with the KMT caucus on a combined bill. The TPP advocates for increasing and standardizing compensation for volunteer soldiers, rather than applying a salary increase across the board.
Disagreements and Political Ramifications
Although the government is planning to spend 3 percent of GDP on defense next year, the DPP caucus chief executive Rosalia Wu accused the KMT of undercutting national defense spending while approving wage increases for the military. Wu believes the KMT's mandate requiring an additional NT$38.6 billion for military wage hikes could be unconstitutional. Critics argue that the KMT is merely pandering to public sentiment amid recruitment struggles and recall campaigns.
Simultaneously, the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment extending tax breaks for energy-efficient appliances until December 31, 2029, just four days before the existing tax breaks were set to expire. This extension aims to promote energy efficiency and attendant cost savings.
The bill's approval has ignited debates over its financial and constitutional legitimacy, highlighting the intricate dynamics within Taiwan's government. Despite the controversy, the measure seeks to address pressing recruitment concerns in Taiwan's military, which faces increased demands under escalating cross-strait tensions.
- The controversial military bill, which has caused high-level objections, falls under the broad category of general-news, as it discusses a political decision that has significant economic and constitutional implications for Taiwan.
- The approval of the military bill, despite Premier Cho's concerns and objections regarding its compliance with the Budget Act and the Constitution, is a significant development in Taiwan's politics, as it could have far-reaching effects on the country's defense strategy and finances.
