Lawmaker asks Taiwan agency to probe mayor's overseas trips amid budget concerns

Taiwanese legislator Lin Yue-chin has formally requested the Agency for Investigation to scrutinize Miaoli Mayor Yu Wen-chung's overseas study trips, citing concerns over their legitimacy and transparency. Lin alleges that Yu's recent trip to South Korea in April closely resembled a pre-packaged tour offered by a travel agency, lacking substantive policy exchange.

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He (Yu Wen-chung) refuses to answer questions about overseas trips, so let him face the investigation by the Agency for Investigation. I have officially submitted relevant materials to the Agency for Investigation.

Further fueling her suspicion, Lin pointed to a substantial increase in the budget allocated for overseas study trips. The budget reportedly rose from NT$1.4 million in 2023 to NT$3.8 million in 2025. Lin questioned the necessity and benefit of these trips, especially given Yu's three overseas excursions within a 10-month period.

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The city government has already clearly responded that overseas study trips are handled through public tenders in accordance with the 'Government Procurement Act' and budget regulations. The process is open, fair, and legal, with no illegalities or favoritism.

In response, Mayor Yu Wen-chung refuted the claims, characterizing them as politically motivated attacks aimed at smearing Miaoli. He asserted that all official trips adhere strictly to legal regulations and procurement laws, emphasizing transparency in the process. Yu welcomed the investigation by the Agency for Investigation, stating that the city government has nothing to hide and is confident in the legality of its actions. He also clarified that any accompanying family members on these trips were self-funded and their arrangements were private matters between them and the travel agency.

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The city government's team has a clear conscience and is open, always welcoming the Agency for Investigation and relevant authorities to investigate and review.