Zhu Bei election: KMT and TPP cooperation collapses

The planned cooperation between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) for the Zhu Bei mayoral election has collapsed. KMT candidate Wu Hsu-chih has officially filed his candidacy, while the TPP has moved forward with Chiu Chen-yuan.

TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang criticized the KMT for failing to honor previous agreements. Ko Wen-je denied claims that he pressured Chiu to run, stating he was not involved in the specific Zhu Bei negotiations but emphasized that the breakdown of such strategic cooperation could negatively impact the KMT in the 2026 elections and affect other regions.

Political analysts warn that this split could lead to a ‘double kill’ for the opposition, potentially benefiting the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by splitting the non-green vote. Wu Hsu-chih stated that while he is focused on his own campaign, the KMT must maintain its presence in Hsinchu County.