Tsai Ing-wen rallies support for lawmaker Tsai Yi-luen in Chiayi

Former President Tsai Ing-wen traveled south to Chiayi County today to attend a rally for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chiayi County magistrate candidate Tsai Yi-yu. The event drew a large crowd of local supporters and party public officials, creating a lively atmosphere. In her speech, Tsai Ing-wen demonstrated humor and approachability by describing Tsai Yi-yu as a "nimble heavyweight," which not only heated up the atmosphere at the venue but also served to affirm Tsai Yi-yu's long-standing flexibility and political coordination skills in local grassroots work. Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that although Tsai Yi-yu has a rounded appearance, he possesses a sharp mind and ample execution power. He always finds ways to handle Chiayi County's affairs—large and small—with full effort, demonstrating a high degree of execution and a deep affection for the locality, which is the core reason she came to endorse him.

This rally was not merely a straightforward election campaign event; it also carried symbolic meaning of inheritance and continuity. In her speech, Tsai Ing-wen particularly emphasized that the development and changes in Chiayi County in recent years are plain for all to see. From a traditional agricultural county, it has gradually transformed into an emerging region with technological and industrial momentum. These achievements are the result of long-term cooperation between the central and local governments, built step by step through hard work. She called on Chiayi County residents to continue supporting Tsai Yi-yu in the upcoming election and cast their ballots for a candidate who can continue the governance blueprint, ensuring that Chiayi County can continue to move forward on its existing stable foundation without turning back.

As an important political pillar of the DPP in Chiayi County, Tsai Yi-yu has long held key positions in the Legislative Yuan. Aside from sparing no effort in promoting local infrastructure and securing central government budgets, he has also played a crucial role in the communication of many major bills and policies. Running for Chiayi County magistrate this event represents an important milestone for him in transitioning from a people's representative to the top local administrative executive. Tsai Ing-wen's personal appearance and endorsement undoubtedly provided a strong boost to Tsai Yi-yu's campaign, which not only helps consolidate party cohesion but also conveys to the outside world the DPP central leadership's high regard and expectations for Chiayi County's future development.

Looking back at the political and economic landscape of Chiayi County in recent years, the DPP's governing foundation in the area has always been solid, yet it also faces contemporary challenges such as how to accelerate industrial transformation, retain the young population, and improve overall quality of life. In recent years, Chiayi County has actively promoted major developments including the Dapumei Precision Machinery Park, the Machouhou Industrial Park, and the Chiayi Science Park promoted in coordination with the central government, gradually changing the appearance of what was once a major agricultural stronghold. During his tenure as a legislator, Tsai Yi-yu provided tremendous assistance to both the central and local governments regarding land acquisition, infrastructure planning, and investment attraction for these industrial parks, which has also become an important platform of policy proposals and confidence for his county magistrate campaign.

Political observers analyze that as the election gradually enters a heated phase, the "mother hen" effect of various camps and the political maneuvering among local factions will become critical factors swaying the outcome of the race. Although Tsai Ing-wen stepped back from front-line administrative roles after leaving office, she still retains considerable influence and appeal within the party and among grassroots supporters. Her personal trip south to Chiayi to campaign for Tsai Yi-yu not only demonstrated an external image of party unity but also aimed to consolidate the pan-Green coalition's core vote bank in Chiayi County through her warm and persuasive discourse, while further striving to win recognition from swing voters and the younger generation.

Reviewing the rally as a whole, it not only highlighted the DPP's deployment strategy in Chiayi County but also reflected local voters' expectations for future local governance. As the election schedule progresses, Tsai Yi-yu's team is bound to serve up more concrete policy substance, putting forward comprehensive plans addressing livelihood issues such as transportation, healthcare, education, and industrial upgrading. Backed by Tsai Ing-wen's strong endorsement, the dynamics of this election are closely watched by all sectors and will become an important indicator for examining the DPP's local governance effectiveness and succession outcomes.

(Source of facts: Central News Agency)