Chang Chin-sen Reconsiders DPP Exit, Remains Opposed to Yilan High-Speed Rail Extension

Former National Development Council Minister Chang Chin-sen has reversed his decision to leave the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and will not run for Yilan County Magistrate, though he remains critical of the proposed high-speed rail extension to Yilan. Chang had initially announced his resignation from the DPP and his intention to run for magistrate, citing dissatisfaction with the high-speed rail project, which he labeled a "blind gut" extension with questionable economic benefits.

Speaking on the "POP News" radio program, Chang clarified that his opposition is to the project's decision-making process and its substantial cost, not to the DPP itself. He explained that after reflection and discussions with friends, he decided to remain within the party as a dissenting voice, adopting a "stay and watch" approach. He emphasized his dislike for electoral politics, which he feels disrupts his life plans, and therefore confirmed he would not pursue the magistrate position.

Chang's primary concern is the escalating cost of the high-speed rail extension, which has ballooned from an initial estimate of over 100 billion New Taiwan dollars to more than 400 billion NTD. He questioned whether the projected benefits have quadrupled to justify this increase, drawing parallels to high-speed rail projects in mainland China and Japan that faced financial difficulties due to poor planning or unsustainable models.

He argued that the 400 billion NTD could be better utilized to enhance Yilan's public transportation and infrastructure, making the region more attractive and competitive. Chang believes that such targeted investments would yield more tangible benefits for Yilan than the controversial high-speed rail extension, advocating for a referendum to allow the public to decide on the project's future.

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stay and watch