Chiang Wan-an Calls to Abolish Control Yuan; Shen Po-yang Criticizes Focus on National Politics

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has ignited a political debate by calling for the abolition of the Control Yuan, Taiwan's governmental watchdog. He suggested that the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) legislative caucuses should reject all 29 nominees for the body.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from Shen Po-yang, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate for Taipei mayor. Shen accused Chiang of diverting attention from crucial city issues, stating, "Chiang Wan-an doesn't respond to many municipal issues but instead engages with topics that seem like he's running for president." Shen finds this focus peculiar, especially when faced with challenges like market traffic flow and the pressure on frontline inspectors due to smoking areas.

“

Chiang Wan-an doesn't respond to many municipal issues but instead engages with topics that seem like he's running for president.

Shen also pointed out what he perceives as a double standard from the KMT. He recalled that when the DPP held a legislative majority and proposed a constitutional amendment committee to discuss the five-branch system (including the Control Yuan), the KMT refused to participate. Shen questioned the timing of this sudden push to discuss abolishing the Control Yuan, labeling it inconsistent.

Furthermore, Shen highlighted pressing legislative matters that he believes deserve more attention, such as the delayed review of the national budget from the previous year and significant outstanding military procurement bills. He questioned why Chiang, who is reportedly close to KMT legislators, hasn't urged them to prioritize these critical issues instead of engaging in what Shen views as politically motivated discourse. Shen concluded that Chiang's current actions suggest an inability to return to core municipal responsibilities, appearing more focused on a presidential bid.

“

When the KMT wants to discuss the abolition of the five-branch system, they shouldn't forget that when the DPP had a legislative majority, they proposed a constitutional amendment committee, but the KMT did not participate. The emergence of this issue now clearly shows double standards and inconsistency.