Taiwan's Jiang Wan-an backs Chen Chi‑mai for premier

Taiwanese politician Jiang Wan‑an publicly recommended Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi‑mai as a candidate for premier, highlighting him as a suitable successor. Chen responded by emphasizing the priority of food‑safety oversight, stating that local governments must ensure inspections while the central government should handle policy planning and coordination. He warned that political moves such as calls for a cabinet dismissal would distract from essential food‑safety work. Analysts view the endorsement as a strategic signal ahead of upcoming elections, potentially setting the stage for a 2032 presidential contest between the two figures.

The exchange underscores internal debates within the Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition over handling food‑safety scandals and broader governance issues, with both sides using the premier nomination discussion to rally support.