Su Qiao-hui and Yen Wei-chi form alliance with strong central backing for New Taipei mayoral race

The New Taipei City mayoral election has entered a critical phase, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Su Chiao-hui and independent councilor Yan Wei-tsi jointly establishing a combined campaign headquarters today. This move signals the two candidates' willingness to engage in cross-party cooperation to broaden their electoral base ahead of the upcoming election. Su, who has served as a New Taipei City councilor since 2022, has repeatedly spearheaded initiatives on urban infrastructure and social welfare. Yan, meanwhile, has gained recognition in the local legislature for her pragmatic approach to fiscal management and community service. The motivation behind their alliance extends beyond jointly countering non-party rivals to the incumbent mayor; it also aims to forge a more comprehensive policy platform in the early stages of the campaign and attract moderate voters as well as those with less rigid party loyalties.

In this context, the public endorsement by Executive Secretary Chang Dun-han is particularly significant. Since transitioning from senior DPP positions to his current role in the Executive Yuan, Chang has consistently emphasized the importance of local autonomy and has intervened in several major local issues. His public support for the joint campaign of Su and Yan indicates central-level approval of this alliance and may facilitate greater access to resources and opportunities for policy coordination. From a political perspective, central government involvement not only enhances the credibility of the candidates but may also exert pressure on candidates from other parties, compelling them to clarify their stances on local governance and cooperation with the central government.

On the same day, the two candidates issued a guarantee regarding the relocation of the fruit and vegetable wholesale market, stating that the central government would respect public opinion and that the market would definitely not be moved to Luzhou. This issue stems from the New Taipei City government’s long-standing consideration of relocating the urban fruit and vegetable wholesale market to Luzhou to free up land in the city center, improve traffic conditions, and enhance the environment. However, the plan has faced strong opposition from many residents and merchants since its proposal, who fear that the relocation would lead to increased logistics costs, job losses, and local economic decline. The guarantee issued by Su and Yan serves as a direct response to this sensitive issue, aiming to alleviate voter concerns and highlight their commitment to local economic and livelihood matters.

The impact of this move on the election should not be underestimated. The fruit and vegetable market relocation has become a focal point of concern for New Taipei City residents. By establishing a clear stance before the election, the candidates can not only consolidate their traditional support base but also potentially attract voters who are dissatisfied with their parties over this issue. Conversely, if opposing parties remain ambiguous or fail to take a clear position on this matter, they may be perceived as lacking commitment to local interests, thereby losing a portion of the electorate. More importantly, the involvement and guarantees from the central level will bolster voter confidence in the candidates' ability to achieve effective coordination between local and central authorities, ensuring the implementation of policies.

In summary, the joint campaign by Su and Yan, the endorsement by Executive Secretary Chang Dun-han, and the guarantee regarding the fruit and vegetable market relocation collectively constitute significant variables in the New Taipei City mayoral election. This development reflects not only the electoral strategies of individual candidates but also the dynamics of interaction and negotiation between local and central governments, as well as between partisan and non-partisan entities. As the election approaches, the level of voter trust in these commitments will be a key determinant of the election's outcome. (Source: Central News Agency)