Zheng Li-wen meets Kao Hung-an, pledges full party support for mayoral reelection

Zheng Li-wen met with Hsinchu Mayor Gao Hong-an in Hsinchu City and issued a statement there, announcing that the Kuomintang (KMT) has set aside personal interests to unanimously nominate and fully support Gao’s bid for re-election. This visit coincides with internal party adjustments aimed at fostering unity ahead of the upcoming local elections. Speaking in her capacity as party chairman, Zheng reiterated that the party should focus on the effectiveness of local governance rather than internal power struggles. Her remarks served not only as personal support for Gao but also as a countermeasure against internal division, signaling that party leadership is attempting to repair the rifts caused by the previous local election defeat through concrete actions.

Since first being elected as Hsinchu Mayor in 2018, Gao has led multiple infrastructure and smart city initiatives and coordinated medical resources and epidemic prevention efforts during the pandemic, earning widespread praise from citizens. Her re-election would not only continue Hsinchu’s urban development blueprint but also hold strategic significance for consolidating the KMT’s strength in the northern region. Gao belongs to the "New Tide" faction within the party, which differs from traditional factions in policy orientation and personnel arrangements. Zheng’s support, to a certain extent, represents a convergence of different forces within the party, providing a consensus platform for diverse voices.

Since the 2022 local elections, the KMT has faced challenges of internal division and factional opposition. Zheng’s public statement is part of the party’s efforts to reshape its image of unity. She noted that all factions must "prioritize the party" rather than "prioritize themselves," emphasizing that internal unity is crucial for winning future local elections. This move also provides a new opportunity for coordination between emerging and traditional forces within the party, indicating that leadership has begun seeking a balance point among differing voices.

While calling on female supporters to exert their "warmest and most resilient" strength, Zheng referenced the unique role of women in social and political participation. In recent years, female voter turnout and political participation rates in Taiwan have continued to rise, making female voters a key force in local elections. Zheng’s remarks served not only as encouragement to female voters but also as a mobilization of female party members and volunteers, aiming to translate women’s warmth and resilience into actual votes and support networks, thereby further consolidating Gao’s electoral base.

Gao’s re-election would also have profound implications for the KMT’s position in the national political landscape. As a tech hub, Hsinchu City hosts numerous high-tech enterprises and research institutions, meaning that stable municipal governance and the promotion of innovative policies can directly impact national technological development. If Gao succeeds in her re-election, it will provide the KMT with a success story in the fields of technology and innovation, further enhancing the party’s appeal among young people and entrepreneurs. Conversely, a defeat could weaken the party’s influence in the northern region and negatively impact the competitive landscape for future party leadership.

In summary, Zheng Li-wen’s visit to Hsinchu City and public support for Gao Hong-an represent both a call for party unity and an emphasis on local governance and women’s political participation. This move not only seeks a breakthrough for the KMT in the upcoming local elections but also provides an opportunity for cooperation among different factions within the party. If Gao successfully secures re-election, it will provide strong support for the KMT’s influence in this tech hub and lay the foundation for reshaping the party’s positive image on the national political stage. (Source: Central News Agency)