Lin Yu-chang Takes Advisory Role, Backs Tung Tzu-wei for Keelung Mayor

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) political strategy and local electoral prospects in Keelung City have recently become a focal point of political discourse. On the 8th, Vice Executive Yuan President Cheng Li-chun and former Keelung Mayor, current DPP Secretary-General Lin You-chang, traveled to Keelung together. Accompanied by DPP candidate for Keelung Mayor Tung Tzu-wei, they jointly visited the “Keelung 400 Special Exhibition,” a local exhibit rich in historical and cultural significance. This public itinerary was interpreted by political observers as carrying strong connotations of political succession and mentorship, akin to a mother hen leading her chicks. During a joint media interview, Lin explicitly stated that if Tung were elected Keelung Mayor in the future, he would be more than willing to personally serve as the head of the municipal advisory group. Leveraging his extensive experience governing Keelung over the past eight years, Lin said he would closely guide Tung to ensure that municipal development in Keelung proceeds seamlessly and continues to advance.

Lin’s public endorsement and commitment to Tung are rooted in deep local political dynamics and considerations of generational turnover within the party. During his eight-year tenure as Keelung Mayor, Lin successfully reshaped the city’s political landscape, which had long been considered a stronghold for the Kuomintang (KMT). He not only achieved consistently high satisfaction ratings for his administration but also laid a foundation of grassroots strength and a governing reputation for the DPP in Keelung. However, following Lin’s departure from office, the KMT’s Hsieh Kuo-liang captured the mayoralty in the 2022 local elections. In response to the shifts in municipal governance under KMT rule and the ensuing tug-of-war in the local political landscape, the DPP urgently needed a political figure capable of uniting local consensus, well-versed in Keelung’s affairs, and ready for immediate action to reclaim power. As the current Speaker of the Keelung City Council, Tung has long cultivated grassroots support and possesses a fresh image along with legislative experience, making him a highly competitive mayoral candidate in the eyes of the DPP.

By choosing this specific moment to express his full support for Tung through concrete actions and proactively offering to lead the municipal advisory group, Lin’s political intent is clear. This move not only demonstrates internal unity within the DPP to the citizens of Keelung but also assures voters that Tung’s municipal plans will be backed by an experienced former mayor. Through this approach, Lin is attempting to directly transfer and extend the governing assets and sense of pride from his eight years in office to Tung. For Keelung voters, this commitment implies that the future municipal team will not have to start from scratch but will be able to build upon the foundations laid by predecessors to continue deepening reforms and development. This holds significant value in winning the trust of moderate voters and grassroots public servants.

Beyond Lin’s strong endorsement, the presence of Vice Executive Yuan President Cheng Li-chun added weight to the itinerary, signaling the central government’s concern and support for Keelung’s development. Cheng has long been involved in national cultural and policy planning. Her specific trip to Keelung to visit the “Keelung 400 Special Exhibition” not only highlights the central government’s emphasis on local cultural governance but also indirectly underscores the DPP central party’s policy blueprint and ambition for Keelung’s future development. By having a high-ranking central official at the cabinet level stand alongside a powerful local political figure, the DPP aims to convey a clear message to Keelung citizens: the party not only has excellent legislative representatives and candidates at the local level but also has the central government as a strong backer for policy and funding, capable of bringing comprehensive urban upgrading and transformation to Keelung.

This itinerary, coordinated by major figures from both the central and local levels, has had a profound impact on the future political landscape and electoral prospects in Keelung. As political discussions in Keelung continue to heat up, political parties have already begun positioning themselves for the 2026 local elections. By combining Lin’s posture of succession with Tung’s grassroots strength, the DPP is attempting to craft a new image of generational turnover and professional governance. Lin’s pledge to serve as the head of the advisory group not only demonstrates his deep affection and sense of responsibility toward the city of Keelung but also injects a shot of confidence into the DPP’s campaign in Keelung. Whether Tung can successfully take over the reins will depend on his ability to translate central support and the former mayor’s experience into the approval of local voters. The preliminary battle for the Keelung mayoralty has officially begun.

(Source: Central News Agency)