KMT Chair Admits Changhua Nominee Not Magistrate's 'Prince Charming'

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Hsu Chiao-hsin has acknowledged internal friction regarding the party's nominee for Changhua County Magistrate, Wei Ping-cheng. Hsu stated that Wei was not the "perfect prince charming" Magistrate Wang Hui-mei had envisioned for the position, admitting the final nomination did not entirely meet Wang's initial expectations.

The tension is evident as Wang Hui-mei has conspicuously avoided appearing alongside Wei Ping-cheng at party events, including Hsu's recent visit to Changhua for a mobile standing committee meeting. Wang, who was on an overseas trip during the nomination announcement, learned of Wei's selection through media reports. She has defended her past meeting with President Lai Ching-te, stating it was to advocate for Changhua's development, not political alignment.

During a press conference on the Qixi Festival, Hsu addressed the perceived rift between herself and Wang, asserting that their relationship as "sisters" is amicable and the focus should be on supporting the candidate, Wei Ping-cheng. Hsu revealed that the nomination process for Changhua was particularly intensive, involving close communication with Wang over the past six months, including daily calls when Wang was abroad.

Hsu explained that the party aimed to select a candidate with the strongest chance of winning, but acknowledged that Wang, having served eight years, was naturally cautious about handing over the reins. She expressed confidence in Wei Ping-cheng's efforts to prove his qualifications to Wang, stating, "He is working very hard to prove to our Magistrate Wang that he is qualified and will not disappoint."