Kaohsiung political landscape heats up amid election rumors and campaign clashes

Political tensions are rising in Kaohsiung ahead of upcoming elections. Former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng has publicly denied rumors circulated by media figures claiming that Kuomintang mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en is trailing the Democratic Progressive Party by over 10 percent. Wang dismissed the claims as “baseless” and urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation.

Ko Chih-en’s campaign has also launched criticisms against DPP candidate Lai Rui-lung, accusing him of serving factional interests and failing to advocate for Kaohsiung’s regional benefits. Meanwhile, Lai Rui-lung has strengthened his local support base with the establishment of a new supporter association in the Siaogang District, emphasizing his past legislative achievements and future plans for AI and semiconductor development.

In a separate official capacity, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai presided over the National Day flag-raising ceremony. During the event, Chen reflected on his six years in office, highlighting industrial transformation, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth driven by international investments and the concert economy.