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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Kaohsiung Mayor Criticized for Political Maneuvering Amid Food Scandal and Shooting

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwan's opposition party criticizes Kaohsiung Mayor K.T. Chang for prioritizing political maneuvering over public safety and food security.
  • The criticism follows a food safety scandal involving carcinogenic oil and a shooting incident in Kaohsiung.
  • Mayor Chang's frequent trips to Taipei for interviews and political activities have drawn accusations of neglecting her mayoral duties.

Taiwan's opposition party has sharply criticized Kaohsiung Mayor K.T. Chang, accusing her of neglecting her duties and engaging in political maneuvering while the city faces significant challenges.

The Democratic Progressive Party's caucus in the Kaohsiung City Council called for Mayor Chang to return to the city, stating that "the Sun Cake has no sun, and the Kaohsiung City Government has no mayor." This metaphor highlights their view that the city government is in disarray and lacks leadership.

The Sun Cake has no sun, and the Kaohsiung City Government has no mayor.

— DPP Kaohsiung City Council caucusUsed to criticize Mayor Chang's perceived absence and lack of leadership.

The criticism comes amid a widening scandal over carcinogenic oil, which has raised questions about the city's food safety oversight during Chang's nearly eight-year tenure. Compounding these concerns, a shooting incident occurred in Kaohsiung early Tuesday morning, further alarming residents.

deep green

— K.T. ChangUsed to politically label the chairman of the Kaohsiung Commercial Association.

Despite these pressing issues, Mayor Chang made a sudden trip to Taipei for an interview, marking her third visit to the capital in a week. She also responded to an open letter from the chairman of the Kaohsiung Commercial Association, who criticized her for shifting blame to the central government and organizing protests instead of addressing the impact of the contaminated oil on local industries and public health. Chang labeled the chairman as "deep green," a political affiliation.

The opposition party also urged the city government to reallocate funds from events like the Kaohsiung Shopping Festival to provide subsidies for affected industries, such as the pastry businesses impacted by the food scandal. They also called for legal consultation and assistance for group claims.

Return to Kaohsiung, no political shows.

— DPP Kaohsiung City Council caucusA direct plea to Mayor Chang to focus on city affairs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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