New Taipei Candidate Slams Lawmakers Over Food Safety Blame Game

New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Chien-lung has sharply criticized two ruling party legislators, Su Chiao-hui and Shen Po-yang, for what he calls an irresponsible tendency to shift blame to local authorities. Speaking at a campaign event, Lee argued that these lawmakers, despite their positions, have failed to question central government policies or actions, particularly concerning recent food safety scandals like the carcinogenic oil incident. He emphasized that tracing the origin of such products is a national responsibility, best handled by a central food safety office, which was established when he served as Executive Yuan secretary-general in 2014. Lee asserted that both Taipei and New Taipei City authorities immediately investigated the issue upon its emergence, but the crucial step of identifying the source lies with the central government. He further accused the legislators of abdicating their duty by not raising these concerns at the national level. On inter-city relations, Lee addressed Su Chiao-hui's comments on cooperation between Taipei and New Taipei. He agreed that the two cities form a single living area and that shared governance is vital for mutual prosperity. Lee highlighted infrastructure projects like the Tamsui-Tabei road and MRT lines, which necessitate joint management between the two municipalities. He positioned himself and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an as strong allies ready to work together for the benefit of the greater Taipei metropolitan area.

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You two are legislators, but I have never seen you question or interrogate the central government during this period, instead shifting responsibility to the local level. This is irresponsible.