Turning now to the local elections. The DPP is getting close to finalizing two key mayoral candidates. According to informed sources, former transport chief Lin Chia-lung has finally agreed to run for the DPP in New Taipei. Lin gave his verbal assent to the president on Friday, after being persuaded to give up a campaign in neighboring Taipei City. As for who the DPP will run in Taipei, sources say it will most likely be health minister Chen Shih-chung, who met with the president recently to discuss a potential campaign. If all goes to plan, the DPP''s Central Executive Committee will approve both nominees at its meeting next Wednesday.
Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an took delivery of a paratransit bus on Friday, a donation from a company based in New Taipei. Amid rumors that he might declare a run for New Taipei mayor, his public appearance was closely watched.
Tsai Jang-hung
Pin Feng Securities Investment chairman
It looks like Commissioner Pan will have an opportunity to move up to the next level. And it seems this opportunity will be very close to my place. I’ll have you all know that my little company is located on Zhongshan North Road Section 1 in New Taipei, which happens to be very close to New Taipei City Hall. It’s only about 200 meters away.
But it’s looking like Pan won’t be the DPP’s nominee after all. According to informed sources, President Tsai Ing-wen is holding out for her former transport chief, Lin Chia-lung.
Lin had said repeatedly that he would not run for mayor in New Taipei, and that he wanted the mayoral nomination for Taipei instead. But this Monday and Tuesday, he met with the president and members of the party’s election committee, who pushed him to reconsider. On Friday afternoon, he met with President Tsai Ing-wen once again. Sources say he agreed to accept the nomination for New Taipei. Meanwhile in Taipei City, the DPP also appears close to locking in its candidate.
During a CECC press briefing the day before, health minister Chen Shih-chung was reluctant to comment when asked about his political ambitions. But according to the latest reports, Chen met with the president recently to discuss his potential Taipei campaign. Sources say Tsai previously tried to recruit her former Vice President Chen Chien-jen for the Taipei race. However, her former VP could not be persuaded.
Chen Chien-jen
Former vice president
We need to ensure the sustainability of the good governance we have today. This is a blessing for Taiwan. So in the future, I will exercise all the channels open to me in my capacity as a scholar, to continue to help the DPP and make this country better.
He wants to bring positive change, and he’s made a string of media appearances to discuss the pandemic. Former VP Chen Chien-jen may not run for office, but there’s speculation he could be the next CECC commander. Sources say the DPP is close to finalizing its strategy for greater Taipei. If all goes to plan, the Central Executive Committee will officially approve its nominations next Wednesday.
