Taichung mayoral debate negotiations stall over language dispute

Negotiations for televised debates between Taichung mayoral candidates have reached a deadlock due to disagreements regarding the language to be used. The impasse follows a proposal by Kuomintang candidate Chiang Chi-chen to include a 20-minute English-language cross-examination session.

Democratic Progressive Party candidate Ho Hsin-chun has criticized the proposal, arguing that debates should be conducted in Chinese or Taiwanese to ensure the majority of citizens can clearly understand the candidates' visions for city governance. Ho urged opponents not to let the debate process be stalled by English requirements.

Another candidate, Hung Li-hua, also voiced opposition, suggesting that insisting on English debates could be seen as mocking or bullying the public and wasting social resources.

In response to the breakdown in coordination between three television stations and the candidates, Chiang Chi-chen stated that while there are currently no further private debate arrangements, he remains open to participating in the official government-sponsored policy debate sessions.