Chiang Wan-an Calls Impromptu 'Rat Hazard Press Conference'; Chou Hsuan Asks: Are You Admitting You Were Wrong?

Taipei is grappling with a significant rat problem, a crisis that has escalated to the point where Mayor Chiang Wan-an is personally addressing the issue in a press conference. This sudden move by the city government, which previously downplayed the severity of the rat infestation, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about transparency and accountability.

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Didn't you say there were no rats in Taipei? So are you admitting your past mistakes now?

Political commentator Chou Hsuan has voiced strong skepticism, questioning whether the mayor's press conference signifies an admission of past missteps. Chou pointed out the contradiction between the government's earlier assertions that there was no widespread rat problem and the current mobilization of multiple city departments, including environmental protection, health, and urban development. The scale of the response suggests that the "rat plague" is indeed a serious crisis, not merely a figment of public perception or a political ploy as some officials had implied.

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Didn't you say that saying there are rats now is 'cognitive warfare'? Didn't you say it was 'southern rats sent north'?

The situation has become a political flashpoint, with opposition figures like Chou demanding an apology from Mayor Chiang to Democratic Progressive Party Councilor Lin Liang-chun, who had previously raised concerns about the rat issue. The city's handling of the crisis, from initial dismissals to the current high-profile press conference, highlights the challenges of managing public services and maintaining public trust in Taipei. The cross-departmental effort now underway underscores the urgency and the deep-seated nature of the problem, which requires a comprehensive and coordinated response.

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Shouldn't you apologize to Councilor Lin Liang-chun?