Taipei mayor's pineapple soursop purchase sparks controversy over funding

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's announcement of purchasing 2,000 boxes of pineapple soursop has become a point of contention, with accusations that city employees were made to foot the bill.

Chiang had initially declared his intention to buy the fruit, a move seen as supportive of local farmers. However, city councilor Hung Chien-yi reportedly revealed that the expense was intended for city staff to cover. Responding to the controversy, Chiang stated that the pineapple soursop purchase was a "spontaneous procurement" initiated by himself and his department heads.

The situation drew a sarcastic comment from Liang Wen-chieh, deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council. Liang, who previously faced backlash for suggesting "Taiwanese people hardly eat pineapple soursop," posted on Threads, "Why am I not surprised at all?" This remark alludes to his earlier gaffe, for which he later apologized by purchasing a large quantity of the fruit himself.

Chiang had previously criticized Liang's statement as "unthinkable." The current dispute over the pineapple soursop purchase adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about political figures' engagement with agricultural products and the transparency of public funds or initiatives.

“

Why am I not surprised at all?