Is Chiang Wan-an Paving the Way for 2028 Presidency? KMT Rivalry Intensifies as Food Safety Protest Sparks Speculation

The food safety scandal involving carcinogenic oil from Zhonglian has added uncertainty to the 2026 local elections. Recently, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and other KMT-affiliated mayors launched a campaign calling for a July 25 rally on Ketagalan Boulevard, demanding that Premier Cho Jung-tai resign over the tainted oil case.

Chang Ching-sen, former policy advisor, who recently accused Chiang of using the food safety protest to indirectly target Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen and position himself for the 2028 presidential race, posted again on Facebook today (22). Under the title 'A Plea to Chiang Wan-an: Don’t Rush to Claim the Throne,' Chang stated that Chiang’s recent 'restlessness' and frequent political moves have sparked speculation over whether he is laying the groundwork for the 2028 election. If so, Chang urged him to 'turn back before it’s too late.'

Is the July 25 Ketagalan Boulevard Rally About More Than Food Safety?

As the tainted oil scandal escalates, Chiang Wan-an posted on Facebook on the 17th under the title 'Forcing Me to Eat Poisonous Oil, Forcing Me to the Streets,' calling on citizens to join the July 25 rally on Ketagalan Boulevard to voice their demands.

In response, Chang Ching-sen stated on the 20th that Chiang’s high-profile call for a food safety march appears, on the surface, to seek justice for the public over the tainted oil incident. However, Chang claims it is actually a calculated political maneuver with hidden motives—'a precise power play with dual objectives': to position Chiang as the 'sole unifying leader of the KMT' and simultaneously eliminate Lu Hsiu-yen, his most significant potential intra-party rival for the 2028 presidency. Since the tainted oil scandal is centered in Taichung, Lu could suffer serious political damage.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (center) and Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen (left) are both scheduled to attend the Ketagalan Boulevard rally. (Photo credit: Liu Wei-hung)

Is Chiang Wan-an Eyeing 2028? Lessons from Past KMT Failures

In a new post, Chang Ching-sen recalled past KMT figures such as former party chair Eric Chu, former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, and former New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. He warned that if a mayor who has just been re-elected runs for president, it is difficult for both Taipei citizens and the general public to accept, often leading to a disastrous outcome—not only losing the presidency but also prematurely ending one’s political career. 'Why would Chiang Wan-an want to repeat the same mistake?'

Chang analyzed that apart from being Taipei mayor and carrying the Chiang family legacy, Chiang Wan-an’s key advantage is his age. At 48, he is younger than other heavyweight KMT figures. Why rush into a fierce battle with senior party members? The most rational strategy at this stage, Chang argued, is to build broad alliances, remain steady and cautious, and avoid mistakes—there’s no need to rush to the front lines in every political storm.

Should Chiang Aim for 2032 Instead? Age as a Strategic Advantage

Chang bluntly stated that competing for the title of 'KMT unifying leader' at this stage is unwise, as it creates enemies and prematurely depletes political capital. Regarding the 2028 election, Chang noted that under the KMT’s unwillingness to abandon its pro-China stance, the party lacks broader appeal, making Chiang Wan-an 'the only hope in the village.' Therefore, the bigger picture suggests letting others take the lead for now, while Chiang focuses on governing Taipei well, gradually shifting his image toward centrist voters, sincerely addressing the authoritarian legacy of the Chiang family, inheriting anti-communist assets, and clearly distancing himself from the pro-China stance. With solid governance and a principled position, he could accumulate substantial political capital and reputation, making a 2032 presidential bid against the DPP a real possibility.

Chang further argued that if Chiang rushes to seize media attention and leadership, he risks exposing flaws in political judgment and capability, wasting his age advantage. 'What he should truly fear is being pushed to the peak before he’s ready, facing harsh scrutiny unprepared.'

Chang calculated that Chiang Wan-an will leave office as Taipei mayor in 2030 at age 52—the ideal time to vie for party chairmanship and establish national leadership. Two years later, in 2032, he would be better equipped in administrative experience, political judgment, and public trust to run for president.

More exclusive reports from Feng Media: · Is Chiang Wan-an targeting 'this heavyweight' via the July 25 Ketagalan protest? Chang Ching-sen reveals 2028 power strategy: a two-birds-one-stone move · Chiang Wan-an and Lu Hsiu-yen to share the stage with 'this heavyweight'? She claims the July 25 rally will be a turning point for 2026: Shen Po-yang sidelined · If Lu Hsiu-yen has low chances in 2028, will this KMT heavyweight emerge? Doctor reveals two post-election scenarios: Chen Chi-mai enters the race