Campaign office accuses legislator of 'harvesting' MRT funding credit

A political spat has erupted over the funding for the MRT Wanzhong Line's second phase, with a campaign office accusing a legislator of claiming undue credit. Legislator Su Chiao-hui of the Democratic Progressive Party issued a press release stating she successfully secured an increase in the approved budget for the second phase of the Wanzhong-Zhonghe-Shulin Line to 77 billion New Taiwan dollars.

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Su Chiao-hui's press release claimed she successfully secured an increase in the approved budget for the second phase of the Wanzhong-Zhonghe-Shulin Line to 77 billion New Taiwan dollars.

However, Wu Liang-hsien, spokesperson for Lee Chi-chiang's campaign office, challenged Su's claim, presenting figures from New Taipei City's public information. Wu stated that the total cost for the second phase is approximately 77.047 billion NT dollars, with New Taipei City bearing a substantial burden of about 50 billion NT dollars, or 65% of the total. He criticized Su for not mentioning the local government's financial contribution, accusing her of trying to monopolize credit for the central government's and her own efforts.

Wu further pointed out that the dynamic testing for the first phase of the line, a joint event by the Taipei and New Taipei city governments, was attended by Su, who then immediately released a press release focusing solely on her "successful bid." He accused her of staging a repeat of "having achievements, Hui harvests," not only seeking the spotlight but also overshadowing the efforts of the city government team.

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According to New Taipei City government's public information, the total cost for the second phase is approximately 77.047 billion NT dollars, with New Taipei City bearing a substantial burden of about 50 billion NT dollars, or 65% of the total.

Citing New Taipei City government data, Wu detailed the financial breakdown for both phases. The first phase (Wanzhong-Zhonghe Line) has a total cost of approximately 74.178 billion NT dollars, with the central government contributing 20.307 billion NT dollars and the local government 53.871 billion NT dollars. For the second phase (Tucheng-Shulin Line), the total cost is about 77.047 billion NT dollars, with the central government contributing 27.223 billion NT dollars and New Taipei City 49.824 billion NT dollars. "In total, the local government's burden for the entire line exceeds 100 billion NT dollars," Wu stated, emphasizing that Su failed to mention this figure.

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She only cares about taking credit for the central government and herself, completely trampling on New Taipei City's contributions and autonomy.

Wu urged Su to be more honest and to avoid solely highlighting the achievements of the central government and herself while disregarding the efforts of the local government and New Taipei City's autonomy.

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In total, the local government's burden for the entire line exceeds 100 billion NT dollars, but Su Chiao-hui did not mention it at all.