Tong Wei Wins Keelung Speakership, Zhang Fangli Endorses Cross-Party Cooperation

In the electoral arena of the Keelung City Council, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilor Tong Ziwei secured a decisive victory in the speaker election, bolstered by the support of then-Kuomintang (KMT) councilor Zhang Fangli. This win marks a significant milestone in Tong’s political career and underscores the evolving dynamics of inter-party relations in local politics. Since leaving the KMT and registering as an independent, Zhang has remained deeply engaged in Keelung’s municipal affairs. Yesterday, she accompanied Tong’s motorcade on a street-cleaning campaign, a symbolic gesture expressing her support for and participation in municipal governance.

Tong is well known in the Keelung City Council for his candid remarks and his focus on community issues. In recent years, he has leveraged social media to amplify his voice, significantly expanding his influence among young voters. As an active member of the DPP, he garnered broad support during the speaker race, ultimately leading in the vote count. This outcome demonstrates that the DPP’s position within the Keelung City Council is firmly established. Conversely, the KMT’s influence in Keelung has been gradually waning. Zhang’s shift in party affiliation and her subsequent show of support open up new possibilities for cooperation between the two parties.

During her tenure with the KMT, Zhang actively participated in various municipal reforms and submitted numerous proposals to the council. After leaving the party, she has maintained her passion for municipal issues, engaging in public affairs as an independent. Her support for Tong in the speaker election affirms her recognition of his personal capabilities and reflects a shared vision for Keelung’s future development. The joint street-cleaning activity symbolically highlights the potential for cross-party collaboration and conveys a message of unity and co-governance to the citizens.

The street-cleaning effort served not only as a practical measure to clean the city but also as a blend of political campaigning and community engagement. In an interview with the media, Tong stated that while political stances may differ, his affection for Keelung remains unchanged. This sentiment resonated with residents, emphasizing that the core of local politics is public service rather than partisan confrontation. The actions of the two councilors are likely to have an impact on the upcoming Keelung mayoral election, particularly by bolstering confidence in internal DPP unity and external cooperation.

As a major port city in northern Taiwan, Keelung’s