Tsai Pi-ju Returns to Politics After Ordination, Eyes Taichung Legislative Seat

Former legislator Tsai Pi-ju, who announced her ordination as a nun just last week, made a notable appearance at the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) 7th-anniversary celebration in Taichung. Her presence immediately sparked discussion about her political future.

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This seven-day monastic life was a very profound period of reflection for me. It enriched myself and increased my wisdom and blessings. More importantly, it allowed me to rebuild my inner confidence through diligent practice, enabling me to better grasp the future path with more wisdom and strength.

During the event, Tsai revealed her aspiration to represent the TPP in the legislative elections next year, specifically aiming for a legislative seat in Taichung. This announcement signals her return to active politics after a brief period of spiritual retreat.

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There is no such thing. Everyone is thinking too much.

Tsai had spent a week in monastic practice at Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung. She shared on social media that the experience was a profound period of self-reflection, which helped her rebuild confidence and prepare for future challenges with greater wisdom and strength. She explicitly denied rumors that her decision to ordain was a response to internal party conflicts, stating that people were overthinking the situation.

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I have never left. Previously, some said I had moved my household registration to Changhua, but it has never changed. The issue of the Changhua magistrate last time was just that I felt the KMT had few candidates in Changhua and wanted to help with integration.

Addressing previous speculation about her potential candidacy for Changhua County magistrate, which she did not secure a party nomination for, Tsai clarified her political intentions. She stated she had never left the party and that her registered residence had not changed, contrary to some reports. Her interest in the Changhua issue, she explained, stemmed from a desire to help integrate the KMT's limited candidate pool in the region. Her primary focus remains on representing the TPP in the first electoral district of Taichung for the legislative elections.

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I still hope to represent the party to run for legislator in the first constituency of Taichung.