Taiwan Mayor Sidesteps Capital Relocation Question, Urges Focus on Flood Relief

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen sidestepped a reporter's question regarding President Lai Ching-te's suggestion to move the capital to Taichung. Instead, she directed the focus toward the severe flooding in southern Taiwan, urging the president and the premier to prioritize disaster relief efforts.

Lu stated that the situation in the south is dire, with multiple cities affected by extensive flooding. She stressed that the immediate and most crucial task for the president and premier is to visit the affected areas, assess the damage, and offer comfort to the victims. Lu recalled that when Tsai Ing-wen was president, she visited flood-stricken areas, noting that such a visit, even if met with criticism, was important.

"The president and the premier should put all their minds on disaster relief in the south and comfort the victims," Lu said. "The flood situation in the south has been very serious for several days. I suggest that the president and the premier's urgent task is to go to southern Taiwan for disaster inspection and to comfort the victims. This is very important."

The mayor's response came after President Lai Ching-te mentioned at an event that he had previously proposed relocating the Executive and Legislative branches to Taichung to promote regional balance and enhance national resilience, though he acknowledged the need for social consensus.

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The president and the premier should put all their minds on disaster relief in the south and comfort the victims. The flood situation in the south has been very serious for several days. I suggest that the president and the premier's urgent task is to go to southern Taiwan for disaster inspection and to comfort the victims. This is very important.