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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Political rivals clash over TPP's mayoral strategy

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former Minister of Political Deputy Zhang Jingsen criticized Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang for overstepping his bounds regarding party matters.
  • Huang Kuo-chang had suggested Zhang Jingsen was interfering too much when Zhang proposed that the TPP consider nominating Huang Shan-shan for Taipei mayor.
  • Zhang Jingsen argued that any Taiwanese citizen can comment on a political party participating in public elections and that his suggestion was aimed at strengthening the TPP's negotiating position with the KMT.

A public exchange between former Administrative Yuan Deputy Minister Zhang Jingsen and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang has highlighted internal party dynamics and external commentary on the TPP's electoral strategy. The dispute began when Huang Kuo-chang suggested Zhang Jingsen was overstepping by proposing that the TPP consider nominating former legislator Huang Shan-shan for the Taipei mayoral race.

He might be overstepping his bounds. It's not his place to dictate the Taiwan People's Party's affairs.

— Huang Kuo-changHuang Kuo-chang's initial reaction to Zhang Jingsen's suggestion about the TPP's mayoral candidate.

Zhang Jingsen responded sharply to Huang Kuo-chang's remarks, stating that while Huang presents himself as a proud rooster, true pride comes from taking risks for the party's survival. Zhang asserted that as a political party participating in public elections and seeking votes, the TPP is open to commentary and suggestions from anyone. He clarified that his intention was not to see the TPP collapse but to prevent it from being absorbed by the Kuomintang (KMT), especially in Taipei where local candidates are struggling.

I have some friends in the TPP, though not many. Everyone knows Huang Kuo-chang's character. Perhaps I have more friends in the TPP than he does!

— Zhang JingsenZhang Jingsen defended his right to comment on the TPP, questioning Huang Kuo-chang's internal influence.

Zhang proposed that the TPP must nominate its own mayoral candidate, arguing this would be the only effective bargaining chip in negotiations with the KMT. Even if talks fail, he suggested, a strong mayoral candidate could help lift other party members, referred to as 'chicks,' in their respective races. Zhang believes Huang Shan-shan is the most viable option due to her previous electoral validation, having secured over 340,000 votes and nearly 25% of the vote in the 2022 Taipei mayoral election.

The TPP must nominate its own mayoral candidate; this is the only useful bargaining chip with the KMT.

— Zhang JingsenZhang Jingsen explained his strategic reasoning for suggesting the TPP field its own candidate for Taipei mayor.

While Zhang admitted he dislikes Huang Kuo-chang, he stated he would support Huang running for mayor himself, believing it could boost the TPP's support in Taipei to over 10% and help secure victories for other candidates. However, Zhang concluded with a pointed remark, questioning if Huang Kuo-chang is willing to make such a personal sacrifice for the party's benefit, implying that Huang's leadership style may prioritize self-interest over party strategy.

He has always presented himself like a proud rooster. But taking risks to secure the party's survival is what makes a truly proud rooster, isn't it?

— Zhang JingsenZhang Jingsen contrasted Huang Kuo-chang's public image with his own definition of leadership and sacrifice.
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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