Ko Wen-je on Seeking Advice from Former Taipei Mayors

Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang has announced plans to consult with former city mayors as part of his campaign preparations. This outreach includes seeking insights from former President Chen Shui-bian, as well as previous Taipei mayors such as Ma Ying-jeou, Hau Lung-pin, and Ko Wen-je.

Responding to the news, Ko Wen-je, who served as Taipei mayor from 2014 to 2022, stated that he had no objection to Shen Po-yang seeking his advice. However, Ko noted that he is currently traveling in southern Taiwan and would likely be available for a meeting the following week. He also humorously suggested that Chang Ching-sen, a former minister without portfolio in the Executive Yuan, might serve as Shen's "military advisor."

Shen Po-yang, representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), revealed his intention to meet with Chen Shui-bian in Tainan within the month. His consultation list spans across party lines, indicating a broad approach to gathering political wisdom. The candidate aims to leverage the experience of past city leaders to inform his mayoral bid.

When approached by reporters, Ko Wen-je was attending a Mid-Autumn Festival event in Yunlin County. He reiterated his availability for a meeting the following week and expressed openness to discussing any topic Shen Po-yang wished to raise. The former mayor indicated that the nature of the advice would depend on the questions posed by the candidate.