Ko Wen‑je calls for opposition unity in Pingtung; Su backs local KMT‑DPP cooperation

Ko Wen‑je, the founding chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), traveled to Pingtung County today to publicly accompany TPP‑affiliated council candidate Lin Yu‑hsien and others as they filed their candidacy with the Election Commission. Speaking to media and supporters on site, Ko offered his view on the current dynamics within the opposition camp, stressing that in a political environment that changes rapidly, opposition forces should pursue unity and common ground rather than engage in internal strife and confrontation at a time when they could consolidate strength and cooperate. His remarks underscore the TPP’s strategic thinking in local elections and introduce a new variable into the delicate interplay between the “blue” (Kuomintang) and “white” (People’s Party) parties at the grassroots level.

It is noteworthy that Su Ching‑chuan, the Kuomintang (KMT) candidate for Pingtung County magistrate, also attended the registration rally and took the stage, demonstrating cross‑party friendly interaction and local networking. In his speech Su openly declared that a blue‑white cooperation in Pingtung is absolutely feasible, sending a strong signal of goodwill. This joint appearance and affirmative statement carry particular significance in the context of the local election, highlighting the strong grassroots demand for integration and consensus when the traditionally dominant green camp has long ruled the district.

Pingtung County has historically been regarded as a stronghold for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). For opposition parties, whether KMT or TPP, splitting the vote is a cardinal sin if they hope to make breakthroughs in council or magistrate races. Ko’s southward trip not only showcases the TPP’s ambition to root itself locally and expand its political map in southern Taiwan, but also marks a shift from lofty rhetoric to pragmatic attitude toward opposition integration. By raising the issue of cooperation in a district where the blue‑green rivalry is especially pronounced, he is effectively testing the feasibility and temperature of a “blue‑white” alliance at the local level.

For KMT candidate Su Ching‑chuan, a successful bid for Pingtung County magistrate requires gathering support from all anti‑DPP forces. Confronted with the rise of TPP local candidates, he chose to view them not as rivals whose votes must be divided, but as partners with whom to publicly share a platform and extend goodwill, thereby shaping a united opposition front. Su’s on‑the‑spot proclamation that a blue‑white union is “absolutely no problem” reflects both personal political openness and a precise calculation based on electoral realities. This interaction suggests that while a blue‑white alliance at the central level may be fraught with friction and uncertainty, grassroots pressure and the realities of local elections often compel candidates to exhibit greater flexibility and willingness to cooperate.

In the longer term, Ko’s visit to Pingtung and Su’s statement illustrate how Taiwan’s political arena, beyond the two major parties, is evolving toward coexistence and division of labor in local contests. The TPP is gradually building a local organization by nominating grassroots council candidates, while the KMT seeks to maximize its chances by integrating the non‑green bloc. This competitive‑cooperative relationship will profoundly shape the future ecology and re‑mapping of Taiwan’s local politics. As the campaign enters its most intense phase, Ko’s emphasis that “when cooperation is possible, do not resort to confrontation” serves both as a rallying call to allies and as a pragmatic strategy for the TPP’s survival and development at the local level.

(Source: Central News Agency)