Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政) traveled to campaign for Keelung Mayor George Hsieh (謝國梁). Chang said that to safeguard the shared community among Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan, Keelung residents should not support the recall vote against Hsieh. He said that the mayors of these cities are like family, with a profound and tight-knit relationship, and that he hopes they are able to maintain the current state of cooperation.
Keelung residents are unlikely to share Chang’s sentiment. The core value of democracy is that power lies with the people, but Chang has misinterpreted that. Keelung residents motioned for a recall vote because Hsieh’s administrative performance following his election was a great disappointment. The people lost trust in him, but how will the identity of the mayor affect the shared community across Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan?
Would this shared community be taken away or not be provided anymore if the mayor changes?
Is Chang’s statement meant to threaten the residents of Keelung?
There seems to be an implication that Keelung residents should tread lightly. If they pick a mayor from a different political party, Chang might not be willing to cooperate with them and Keelung’s future development might be affected.
The mayor of one of Taiwan’s six special municipalities is supposed to be a dignified position, but his words seem to be threat and intimidation disguised as a political declaration. Perhaps his own political aspirations have been thwarted, but he certainly should not expect that Keelung residents would agree with him and oppose the recall vote.
The definition of a shared community is one that prioritizes the welfare of the people, allows districts across county and city lines to mutually integrate, and provides people with the convenience of shared governance. How could the tone change so quickly just because the mayor of one city changes?
This attitude belittles the statements of the other mayors and is furthermore a great disrespect to the residents of Keelung.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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