Taipei Mayor Criticized for Allegedly Hoarding Election Subsidies, Lacking Political Acumen

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an faces sharp criticism from York University Associate Professor Shen Jung-chin, who accuses the mayor of prioritizing personal wealth over public good and lacking political decisiveness. Shen compares Chiang unfavorably to former mayors Ma Ying-jeou and Ko Wen-je, suggesting Chiang is "like a flower in a greenhouse," characterized by greed and an inability to make tough political choices.

The controversy ignited when Taipei City Councilor Chen Chin-hui proposed that Chiang donate NT$200,000 to purchase gift boxes from sheltered workshops, a cause aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals. However, Mayor Chiang reportedly evaded a direct commitment, leading Chen to express disappointment and highlighting the mayor's perceived stinginess.

“

Chiang Wan-an is like a flower in a greenhouse, greedy and lacking political decisiveness.

Shen Jung-chin elaborated on his critique by examining how previous mayors handled their election subsidies. Ma Ying-jeou, despite facing policy failures, donated substantial amounts from his election funds to over 100 social welfare and cultural organizations, in addition to his own foundation. Ko Wen-je, while having faced corruption allegations, also donated the remainder of his first Taipei mayoral election funds to various charities.

“

Ma Ying-jeou and Ko Wen-je, although both fond of money, Ma Ying-jeou made large donations to social welfare, and Ko Wen-je also donated money to multiple charities and vulnerable groups after being elected.

In stark contrast, Shen points to Chiang Wan-an's handling of his 2022 mayoral election subsidy of NT$17.26 million. According to Shen, Chiang declared that the funds, which increased his personal savings by nearly NT$20 million, were kept in his personal accounts or used for personal property. Shen argues that Chiang is unique among recent Taipei mayors for not donating to charity or establishing a foundation with these funds, directly pocketing the money without even a pretense of public service.

Shen further criticizes Chiang's political acumen, drawing parallels to Ma Ying-jeou's past legal troubles. He suggests that Chiang's approach, lacking the aggressive political maneuvering seen in Ma's rise, indicates a decline in the political capabilities within the Kuomintang party. Shen concludes that Chiang's reluctance to engage in public service initiatives, even for a visible cause like the sheltered workshops, demonstrates a fundamental lack of political decisiveness and a strong inclination towards personal financial gain.

“

He is the only Taipei mayor who directly put election subsidies into his personal pocket.