Taiwan opposition questions use of public resources for mayors' rally

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an are preparing to lead a rally for the Kuomintang party on July 25. The Democratic Progressive Party's caucus in the Taichung City Council has criticized the mayors, accusing them of neglecting their municipal duties and food safety concerns to focus on a political demonstration. DPP caucus whip Chou Yung-hung specifically questioned whether Mayor Lu would use official vehicles or be accompanied by security personnel during the event, and whether city department heads would join her. He also raised concerns about the use of public funds for travel if they were to take high-speed rail. Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin responded by asserting that food safety is indeed a municipal responsibility. He suggested that the opposition's focus on the mayors' travel arrangements indicates an unwillingness to see citizens take to the streets over food safety issues. Cheng urged the central government to convene a national food safety conference and support the long-proposed Central Taiwan Governance Platform, which he claims has been rejected. He also criticized the current system where companies self-report test results, advocating for mandatory notification by inspection agencies when violations are found.

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Food safety issues are municipal issues. If the councilor is so concerned about the itinerary, and so unwilling to see citizens take to the streets for food safety, they should quickly ask the central government to convene a national food safety conference.