Hsinchu Mayor race: Huang Kuo-chang accuses KMT of breaking promises; Cheng Li-wen says she understands but won't yield

A political rift has emerged between Taiwan's People's Party (TPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) over the Hsinchu mayoral election, with TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang accusing the KMT of breaking its word.

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Others break their word, we can't control that, but we will definitely keep our promises to the people.

Huang stated that a prior understanding involved the KMT supporting a TPP candidate for mayor while the TPP would back a KMT candidate for county magistrate. However, he claims KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen informed him during a recent meeting that the KMT could not resolve the Hsinchu mayoral issue. Consequently, the TPP will support its candidate, Chiu Chen-yuan, to register and run.

Cheng Li-wen, while expressing understanding for Huang's sentiments and acknowledging the TPP's cooperative efforts, indicated that differing assessments exist regarding candidate arrangements. She emphasized that the KMT values its relationship with the TPP and that their shared goal of winning the 2026 elections remains unchanged. Cheng highlighted the unique nature of the Hsinchu election, requiring careful consideration of local dynamics and overall strategy.

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I understand Huang Kuo-chang's feelings, and I thank the People's Party for its sincerity in cooperation all along. However, there are indeed different assessments in the arrangement of candidates.

Despite the current disagreement, both parties stressed their continued commitment to communication, deepening cooperation, and working together for Taiwan's future. They aim to meet public expectations for the opposition reform forces.

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The Hsinchu election situation has a high degree of particularity, and there are factors that must be carefully considered regarding local operations, public opinion structure, and overall layout.