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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Taichung Mayor's Last-Minute Subsidy Boost Sparks Election Tactic Accusations

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced increased subsidies for elderly and pregnant taxi services just months before her term ends.
  • The mayor stated the policy adjustments are based on ongoing review and financial feasibility.
  • Opposition councilors criticized the timing, calling it a political move to boost election prospects for her successor.

With just six months left in her term, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-ye announced significant increases to public welfare subsidies on Tuesday. Starting October 1, the subsidy for taxi rides using the Elderly and Disabled Card will rise from 85 NT dollars to 100 NT dollars per trip. Additionally, the subsidy for the "Good Pregnancy" taxi service will increase by 4,000 NT dollars, from 6,000 NT dollars to 10,000 NT dollars, with the number of subsidized trips rising from 30 to 40.

Policies are constantly reviewed, considering measures that better benefit citizens. Policies must consider financial feasibility; if finances cannot cope, it's useless to propose them.

— Lu Shiow-yenTaichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen explaining the rationale behind the subsidy increases.

Lu emphasized that policy adjustments are continuous and aim to benefit citizens, stressing the importance of financial viability. "Policies are constantly reviewed, considering measures that better benefit citizens," she stated. "Policies must consider financial feasibility; if finances cannot cope, it's useless to propose them."

However, opposition councilors from the Democratic Progressive Party, Chen Yu-jung and Chen Ya-hui, expressed skepticism. Chen Yu-jung questioned why these increases weren't implemented earlier, suggesting the timing, close to elections and her departure, makes it appear as a political tool to pave the way for a successor. "Caring for the elderly and young families is the city government's responsibility, not an election campaign tool," Chen argued.

Caring for the elderly and young families is the city government's responsibility, not an election campaign tool.

— Chen Yu-jungTaichung City Councilor Chen Yu-jung criticizing the timing of the subsidy increases.

Chen Ya-hui echoed these sentiments, calling the announcement a "pre-election ticket purchase." She noted that previous calls to increase taxi subsidies for the Elderly and Disabled Card were met with financial assessments, and this sudden announcement seemed to be in competition with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's recent similar announcement. Both councilors accused the mayor of politicizing elder welfare.

This is a 'pre-election ticket purchase'.

— Chen Ya-huiTaichung City Councilor Chen Ya-hui commenting on the timing of the subsidy announcement.
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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