Recently, the relevant issues concerning the central government’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year have become the focal point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties in the Legislative Yuan. Notably, the budget for electricity expenses across various ministries has seen a significant increase of 25%, reaching a total of NT$10.1 billion, which has drawn widespread criticism from the opposition.
Yesterday, People’s Party legislator Huang Kuo-chang revealed during a live broadcast that since taking office on May 20, Premier Su Tseng-chang had consumed a staggering 20,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity within two months, leading to an astonishing bill of NT$150,000. In response, Huang sarcastically remarked during the broadcast, “Is he mining Bitcoin in there?”
Today, Su Tseng-chang addressed the media after a session in the Legislative Yuan, stating that he only held a few meetings at his official residence after renovations were completed in late June, and that he spent only two nights per week at the residence, which is otherwise unoccupied. Regarding the unusual electricity consumption, Su indicated that he would ask the electric company to conduct an inspection, and if abnormalities are confirmed, a comprehensive review and improvements would be implemented.
On the other hand, during an inquiry of Premier Su Tseng-chang today, People’s Party legislator Chang Chi-kai also questioned the electricity budgets of various ministries. When discussing the judiciary’s electricity budget, which is set to increase by 60% next year, Chang similarly quipped, “Are they mining Bitcoin as well?”
In response, Premier Su Tseng-chang remarked, “The member’s description is very inappropriate; saying the judiciary is mining Bitcoin is a very improper characterization. I believe we should avoid such descriptions.” (Chang: This is what the public is sarcastically suggesting regarding such a large increase.) “The public is not making such sarcastic remarks about mining Bitcoin.”
