Taoyuan mayoral candidates clash over municipal performance

Political tensions are rising in Taoyuan as Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidate Huang Shih-chieh accuses current Mayor Chang Shan-cheng of avoiding critical issues and ‘hiding’ from public responsibility. Huang claims the city’s stagnation is due to the Mayor’s failure to address key concerns, including the potential entry of TSMC into the Longkoke Phase III area, hospital construction projects, and tourism in the Fuxing District.

The Taoyuan City Government has responded by defending Mayor Chang, stating that his focus remains on municipal administration rather than engaging in election campaigning. Government spokesperson Lo Chu-tung criticized Huang for using political rhetoric and ‘slogans’ instead of providing constructive discourse. The city government also refuted claims of inaction regarding the Longkoke project, noting that nearly 90 meetings have been held to coordinate land acquisition and infrastructure support. Additionally, officials argued that medical infrastructure development requires long-term planning and cannot be achieved through mere political promises.