Taipei:Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an promoted his administration's achievements on Sunday as he seeks reelection as the Kuomintang candidate. His Democratic Progressive Party rival, Puma Shen, countered rumors about discontinuing cash gifts for senior citizens, pledging to maintain the policy if elected in the upcoming mayoral race.
According to Focus Taiwan, Chiang, speaking at his supporters' association launch in Songshan District, emphasized improvements made since he took office in December 2022. He cited enhancements in transportation infrastructure, healthcare services, and tourism, which he says have boosted local businesses. Chiang also highlighted his policy to lower the eligibility threshold for the city's urban renewal program, aimed at redeveloping aging buildings in Taipei.
Chiang pointed to significant childcare initiatives from his first term, including increasing the number of childcare centers in Taipei from four to 45. He called on voters to support his bid for a second term to continue the city's progress.
Meanwhile, Shen conducted a campaign motorcade through Songshan and Xinyi districts, ending with a rally at Minquan Park. Addressing reporters at Wufenpu Park in Xinyi District, Shen refuted online rumors that he would eliminate the city's cash gifts for senior citizens. He assured that he would retain the payments, aiming to make them "more meaningful and interesting."
Shen proposed engaging seniors in recording messages for younger generations when collecting the gifts, inspired by practices in other countries. At the event, Taipei resident Sharlene Weng expressed support for Shen's development plans for the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, particularly his backing of a partially underground substation for cost-effective, stable power supply combined with public amenities.
Taiwan's 2026 local elections, scheduled for November 28, are part of the "9-in-1" elections where voters will elect officials to nine types of local government posts across the country's cities and counties, totaling 11,051 positions.
