Strife over fiscal plans escalates

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has escalated his rhetoric against opposition parties by accusing them of abusing their legislative power, as the island descends into partisan strife after a clash over fiscal spending.

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Mr Lai released a recorded speech made in support of Premier Cho Jung-tai’s refusal to sign off on a legal amendment passed by the Kuomintang-led opposition, which reduces the share of tax revenue allocated to the central government by directing it instead to cities and counties. In it, Mr Lai suggested the stakes go well beyond the budget.

“The abusive lawmaking is posing an unprecedented threat to the country and its people,” he said, warning that it's pushing Taiwan towards “opposition-led authoritarianism.”