Taiwan political parties intensify campaigning for 2026 local elections

As the 2026 local elections approach in Taiwan, political maneuvering between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) has intensified. In Taipei, KMT legislator Yeh Yuan-chih and TPP candidate Hsu Pu have appeared together to address concerns regarding the 'Blue-White cooperation' strategy. KMT Taipei City Council Speaker Tai Hsi-chin clarified that the goal is to maximize seats for both parties to counter the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), dismissing claims that KMT support for TPP candidates constitutes 'charity.'

In New Taipei City, former President Tsai Ing-wen has stepped into a leadership role as the campaign committee chairperson for DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui, endorsing her as a strong successor. Conversely, KMT candidate Li Sichuan has proposed significant infrastructure projects, including the undergrounding of the Taiwan Railways Administration lines and the development of new transit corridors.

On the national stage, KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin addressed rumors of competition between KMT leaders Han Kuo-yu, Lu Show-yen, and Chiang Wan-an regarding future presidential ambitions. She asserted that these figures remain in an alliance and should focus on criticizing the current administration's policies, specifically regarding defense budgets and military allowances.