Parliament Preserves Drone Funding as Political Deadlock Ends After 266 Days

Taiwan’s opposition controlled parliament has approved the government’s 2026 budget, ending a record 266-day political deadlock over public spending.

The budget authorises approximately NT$2.987 trillion, or $93 billion, in total government expenditure. Lawmakers reduced the government’s original proposal by about NT$48 billion.

One of the most closely watched provisions was funding for Taiwan’s drone development and procurement programme. Approximately NT$63.4 billion, or about $2 billion, was approved for the programme in full, despite earlier plans by the main opposition Kuomintang to cut the allocation by 70 percent.

The funding is considered an important component of Taiwan’s efforts to modernise its military and strengthen its defensive capabilities amid continued tensions with China.

The budget dispute had left Taiwan operating under a provisional spending mechanism for months, after disagreements between President William Lai Ching-te’s administration and opposition parties that control the legislature.

Other reductions approved by lawmakers included cuts to special allowances for heads of government agencies, military equipment and facilities spending, as well as media policy and publicity budgets.

President Lai has called for greater professionalism and proportionality in the budget process, warning that political divisions should not disrupt the normal functioning of government.

The approval brings an end to the unprecedented delay, while preserving key funding for Taiwan’s drone industry and defence modernisation as Taipei continues to strengthen its military preparedness.