Chiang Wan-an late for Yilan campaign event, opponent criticizes traffic excuse and food safety focus

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an faced criticism after arriving 40 minutes late to a campaign event in Yilan, where he was scheduled to support county magistrate candidate Wu Tsung-hsien. Chiang attributed his tardiness to unexpectedly heavy Saturday traffic, stating he "didn't expect Saturday to be so congested."

The mayor's explanation drew a sharp response from Shen Po-yang, a candidate for Taipei mayor from the Democratic Progressive Party. Shen, while attending a religious event in Beitou, commented that Saturday traffic congestion heading to Yilan is a widely known phenomenon. He suggested that anyone planning to travel to Yilan or Hualien on a Saturday should depart much earlier.

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I didn't expect Saturday to be so congested.

Shen also used the occasion to criticize Chiang's administration regarding food safety issues in Taipei. He questioned why Chiang's focus seemed to shift to food safety only when attending events outside the city, such as a rally in Ketagalan Boulevard or the event in Yilan. Shen pointed to the recent discovery of formaldehyde in Hsinchu rice noodles, questioning why Chiang's administration had not yet investigated or tracked down the source.

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Saturday traffic to Yilan, this seems to be something everyone knows.

"Where is the switch for food safety in Chiang Wan-an's hands?" Shen asked. "When he goes to Ketagalan Boulevard or Yilan (Hualien), the food safety switch suddenly turns on, but the real need for a food safety switch is within the Taipei City Government."

The incident highlights the political maneuvering and public scrutiny surrounding Chiang Wan-an's activities as he engages in campaign support for KMT candidates. Shen's remarks underscore the ongoing political competition and differing priorities between the major parties in Taiwan.

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Where is the switch for food safety in Chiang Wan-an's hands? When he goes to Ketagalan Boulevard or Yilan (Hualien), the food safety switch suddenly turns on, but the real need for a food safety switch is within the Taipei City Government.