Taipei Mayor's premier pick draws fire; opposition urges focus on cabinet's 'dysfunction'

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has ignited a political debate by suggesting that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai would be a suitable candidate for the premiership. This statement follows Chiang's earlier remarks about a potential "no-confidence" vote against the current government.

The suggestion has drawn sharp responses from opposition lawmakers. Legislator Liao Wei-hsiang of the Kuomintang (KMT) directly criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), accusing them of spreading falsehoods and deflecting responsibility. Liao argued that discussions about changing the premier stem from the current cabinet's perceived policy failures and the exacerbation of cross-party tensions. He asserted that local leaders, being on the front lines of public opinion, are justified in questioning central government policies and the suitability of the premier.

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The public's most pressing concern is not whether to oust the cabinet, nor who is suitable to take over as premier, but whether Premier Cho Jung-tai is willing to take political responsibility for the toxic oil incident.

Meanwhile, the office of KMT legislator Ko Chih-en emphasized that the public's primary concern is not about replacing the premier but about Premier Cho Jung-tai taking political responsibility for issues such as the "toxic oil case." They stressed the urgency of uncovering the truth and rectifying systemic loopholes. DPP legislators, in turn, have criticized Chiang Wan-an, implying he is more interested in national politics than his mayoral duties and suggesting he should focus on his responsibilities in Taipei.

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The reason for the discussion about changing the premier stems from the current cabinet's ineffective governance and the escalating cross-party confrontation.