Chiang Wan-an Criticized Over Vaccine Data Claims; Past Role Highlighted

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an faces sharp criticism for his recent statements questioning the government's transparency regarding COVID-19 vaccine procurement data. Critics, led by Chang Yu-meng, chairman of the Taiwan Youth Generation Association for Common Good, accuse Chiang of political maneuvering and selective memory, particularly given his past involvement in a legislative committee tasked with reviewing these very contracts.

Chiang had claimed that two-thirds of the data provided by the government on vaccine secret meetings were obscured, hindering legislative oversight and that contracts were sealed for 30 years. However, Chang Yu-meng presented a timeline showing Chiang himself chaired the "Vaccine Review Committee" three times in 2021. "Don't forget, the Democratic Progressive Party had a majority in the Legislative Yuan at the time, yet you chaired all three meetings. Don't say the DPP was covering up," Chang stated, challenging Chiang's current narrative.

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Don't forget, the Democratic Progressive Party had a majority in the Legislative Yuan at the time, yet you chaired all three meetings. Don't say the DPP was covering up.

Chang further highlighted that the decision to "obscure" parts of the procurement contracts was made during a committee meeting chaired by Chiang on October 20, 2021. This decision was to mask confidential information, not to hide the entire contract. "What kind of logic is this? Chiang Wan-an himself proved that he had seen the procurement contract. So why is he accusing the government of not providing it?" Chang questioned, referring to an incident where Chiang allegedly wrote down parts of the contract from memory and published it.

The controversy comes as elections approach, with critics suggesting Chiang is leveraging the vaccine issue for political gain. Chang Yu-meng pointed out that Chiang had previously claimed "vaccine contracts sealed for 30 years," but this referred to the preservation period, not a prohibition on access before that time. The accusations suggest Chiang is attempting to attack the government and former health minister Chen Shih-chung for electoral advantage, despite having had access to the information during his tenure as committee chair.

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What kind of logic is this? Chiang Wan-an himself proved that he had seen the procurement contract. So why is he accusing the government of not providing it?