Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recommended Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai to serve as the new premier and form a cabinet during a radio program appearance on Oct. 29, according to local news reports. Chen responded later that day by stating that everyone needs to focus on doing their jobs solidly, emphasizing that he intends to fulfill his mayoral term in Kaohsiung.
Chiang Wan-an’s Recommendation and Food Safety Praise
During his morning radio interview, Chiang praised Chen’s leadership and high satisfaction ratings. According to Chiang’s remarks on the program, Chen stood up for Kaohsiung residents’ health and food safety priorities by refusing to allow disputed products back onto shelves until facts were fully clarified. Chiang told the program host that he respects Chen’s firm stance and views him as a suitable candidate to lead the Executive Yuan if a cabinet reshuffle occurs.
Did You Know? Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai made his remarks regarding fulfilling his mayoral term shortly after meeting with the Japan Hourai Association and a visiting Japanese enterprise delegation at the city government office at 10:10 a.m. on Oct. 29.
Chen Chi-mai’s Response on Fulfilling Mayoral Duties
Responding to the nomination outside the city government following his meeting with the Japanese delegation, Chen stated that everyone must focus on doing their work solidly, echoing sentiments previously expressed by New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. Chen emphasized that his primary commitment is to the citizens of Kaohsiung. He stated that he must carry out Kaohsiung’s work, construction projects, and investment promotions through to the final day of his term, adding that he believes Taipei’s mayor shares a similar obligation to their constituents.
Political Treatment Versus Institutional Reform
Chen criticized turning governance and food safety issues into political maneuvers, such as discussions of a vote of no confidence against the cabinet. According to Chen, local governments bear responsibility for factory inspections and verification, while the central government handles policy planning, formulation, and coordination. He argued that officials should focus on professional institutional reforms—such as establishing a food safety committee for risk assessment and clarifying administrative divisions between the Food and Drug Administration and local authorities—rather than engaging in political processing that the public dislikes.
Expert Insight: Public remarks regarding cabinet formation and cross-regional leadership often highlight the intricate dynamics between municipal executives and central authorities in Taiwan. When local leaders spar over food safety protocols and legislative responses, it underscores the ongoing tension between administrative execution at the local level and broader policy coordination managed by the Executive Yuan.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and Legislative Reactions
The exchange follows comments made a day prior by New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih regarding a potential cabinet overhaul, where Hou remarked that leaders should simply focus on doing their work solidly. Hou’s staff later clarified that issues such as a cabinet challenge should be deliberated and decided upon during Legislative Yuan caucus meetings, reiterating Hou’s stance that the government must properly handle duties to genuinely resolve food safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who proposed that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai form a new cabinet?
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recommended Chen during a radio program interview on Oct. 29.
How did Chen Chi-mai respond to the nomination?
Chen responded that everyone must focus on doing their jobs solidly and stated that he is committed to completing his work, construction projects, and investment promotions in Kaohsiung through the end of his term.
What specific issue did Chiang Wan-an cite when praising Chen Chi-mai?
Chiang praised Chen for prioritizing public health and food safety by refusing to allow disputed products back onto shelves until facts were clearly established.
How do you view the balance between local municipal responsibilities and central government cabinet appointments in municipal politics?