Lai Ching-te Proposes NT$10,000 AI Dividend Cash Handout

President Lai Ching-te announced that Taiwan's proposed 2027 central government budget will include NT$235.7 billion (USD 7.401 billion) to provide a universal NT$10,000 (USD 314.15) cash handout to every person. Lai characterized the payment as an "AI dividend," citing strong economic growth driven by global demand for semiconductors, high-performance computing, and cloud services. He expects economic growth to reach its highest level in 39 years, allowing the government to fund the handout through projected revenues of NT$3.9266 trillion without new borrowing.

The announcement drew immediate criticism from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). Both parties accused the administration of a double standard, noting that the government had previously rejected similar KMT proposals on the grounds of fiscal discipline. Critics also alleged the timing of the handout is intended to influence November's local elections.

Following the announcement, the KMT urged the president to increase the payout to NT$20,000, arguing that a budget surplus and 11 percent projected GDP growth justify a larger sum. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an supported the increase, suggesting the original amount would be spent too quickly on basic necessities. The Democratic Progressive Party responded by suggesting that if the Taipei City government found the amount insufficient, it should provide additional funds for its own residents rather than shifting the burden to the central government.