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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Official questions Changhua Speaker's banquet strategy; ex-mayor denies partnership rumors

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An official questioned the Kuanghua County Speaker's alleged election strategy involving banquets.
  • The Speaker's office denied allegations of collusion with a former town mayor for the next speakership race.
  • The controversy involves accusations of violating election laws and administrative neutrality.

A political controversy has erupted in Changhua County, Taiwan, following accusations that the County Speaker, Hsieh Tien-lin, is using banquets to support his aunt, Chen Chen-fei, a candidate for Hsi-hu town mayor. Wu Yin-ning, deputy executive director of the central joint service center of the Executive Yuan, publicly questioned the Speaker's actions on Facebook.

It's just external rumors.

— Chen Wen-hanChen Wen-han denying rumors of a partnership with Hsieh Tien-lin for the next speakership race.

Wu alleged that Hsieh's banquets were part of an election strategy and potentially violated election laws and the principle of administrative neutrality. The controversy intensified with rumors that Hsieh plans to partner with former Hsi-hu town mayor Chen Wen-han for the next county speakership and deputy speakership election.

Chen Wen-han, who attended one of the banquets, denied any partnership plans with Hsieh. He explained his attendance was merely to show support for a fellow party member and good friend, former legislator Cheng Ju-fen. Chen stated that his wife, current county councilor Chen Yu-chi, is performing well and intends to seek re-election, dismissing rumors of him running for county councilor again or partnering for the speakership.

I don't know who Wu Yin-ning heard this from. It's just people outside talking.

— Chen Wen-hanChen Wen-han responding to Wu Yin-ning's accusations.

Despite Chen Wen-han's denials, the allegations have fueled speculation about the Hsieh family's political maneuvering within the county. The situation highlights the intricate political landscape and the ongoing power dynamics within Changhua County's local government.

I thought I should show face for her, as she is a party comrade and a good friend.

— Chen Wen-hanChen Wen-han explaining his attendance at the banquet.
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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