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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Chen Chi-mai 'loves to make calls,' Chang Chun-han confirms, adding Lai Jui-lung is no less eager

From Liberty Times · (16m ago) Chinese Positive tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai is known for frequently calling officials to track work progress and city details.
  • Premier Cho Jung-tai approved funding for a joint research park involving local universities and national institutions, a project pushed by Chen.
  • The city has seen significant development, including infrastructure and social welfare programs, with zero debt for five consecutive years.

From the perspective of Liberty Times, a publication often reflecting a pro-DPP and Taiwanese nationalist viewpoint, Mayor Chen Chi-mai's proactive approach to governance is highlighted as a key strength. The article emphasizes his dedication through the anecdote of his frequent phone calls, even on New Year's Eve, to ensure critical projects like university funding are advanced.

I thought I wouldn't receive calls from Mayor Chen after stepping down, but he actually called me for the Gigi Lampe.

— Tsai Ing-wenFormer President Tsai Ing-wen's social media post, illustrating Chen Chi-mai's persistent nature even in personal matters.

This narrative frames Chen's actions not just as diligent, but as essential for securing vital resources for Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan. The approval of the "National Key Field Inter-University Research and Teaching Park" is presented as a major win, directly attributable to the mayor's persistence. The article proudly notes the substantial central government funding secured for this initiative, underscoring the city's growing importance in high-tech talent development.

Furthermore, the piece contrasts Chen's energetic leadership with the city's broader achievements under his tenure. It points to the transformation of industrial sites into tech hubs (like the planned TSMC facility), the completion of the light rail system, and leading positions in long-term care and affordable childcare. The fact that Kaohsiung has maintained zero debt for five consecutive years is presented as evidence of sound fiscal management, a point of pride for the city and its administration.

Who called you on New Year's Eve? I received a call from Mayor Chen Chi-mai.

— Chang Chun-hanExecutive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Chun-han revealing Chen Chi-mai's call on New Year's Eve to inquire about university project funding.

Compared to how this might be reported internationally, Liberty Times emphasizes the local significance and the mayor's personal drive. While foreign media might focus on the economic impact of the new research park, this Taiwanese perspective celebrates the mayor's hands-on style and the tangible benefits delivered to the city and its residents. The mention of legislator Lai Jui-lung also being a proactive caller suggests a broader culture of responsive governance within the ruling party, reinforcing a positive image of their leadership.

tight tight tight

— Chen Chi-maiDescribing Mayor Chen Chi-mai's urgent and persistent approach to advancing projects.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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