Following his recent call for citizens to join the '725 March on Ketagalan Boulevard to Protect Food Safety,' Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an made a shocking statement during an interview on the 27th, voicing support for a 'vote of no confidence' against the current cabinet. Chiang's active involvement in major national issues has sparked widespread speculation. On the 29th, during an exclusive interview on Hit FM's program 'Qiang News' with host Huang Yang-ming, Chiang stated that if a cabinet reshuffle were to occur, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai would be a highly suitable candidate for premier.
During the interview, Chiang emphasized that replacing Premier Cho Jung-tai could fulfill the principle of accountability in governance and help resolve the current political deadlock between the ruling and opposition parties. He specifically recommended, 'If the premier is to be replaced, Mayor Chen Chi-mai would be a very suitable candidate.'
Chiang explained that Mayor Chen enjoys high approval ratings for his administration. During the recent toxic oil incident, when participating in the Executive Yuan's food safety law amendment meeting, Chen insisted on prioritizing the health and food safety of Kaohsiung citizens. He refused to allow related oil products back on shelves before the cause was fully clarified. 'His firm stance is truly admirable and not easy to maintain. If the premier is replaced, Mayor Chen Chi-mai would be a highly suitable candidate. It doesn't necessarily require a no-confidence vote—President Lai could proactively appoint a new premier and reorganize the cabinet to enable effective policy implementation.'
On political accountability, Chiang believes Cho Jung-tai bears the greatest responsibility and should step down to uphold accountability in governance. He criticized Cho's attitude as 'breaking a cracked pot anyway,' leading to legislative-executive confrontation and institutional gridlock, with the public suffering the most. This situation, Chiang noted, is also detrimental to the Lai administration. 'If President Lai seizes this opportunity to replace the premier, it would hold Cho accountable for the toxic oil incident, reinforce accountability, and help break the political stalemate.'
Regarding his recent proposal for a cabinet overthrow, Chiang stated he had previously suggested such a move last year and fully understands the procedural requirements. A successful no-confidence motion requires consensus within the Kuomintang and support from the Taiwan People's Party—both are indispensable. While he would welcome a no-confidence vote that holds Premier Cho politically accountable for the toxic oil incident, he stressed that he respects the decision-making process within the opposition caucus.
Additional exclusive reports from Wind Media: - After the Ketagalan anti-toxic oil protest, is 'cabinet overthrow' becoming an opposition option? Huang Yang-ming reveals three possible scenarios: a test of whether Lai Qing-te will take the gamble - Is demanding Cho Jung-tai's resignation through a no-confidence vote meaningless? A writer proposes an 'offensive recall campaign': a lifelong humiliation for Lai Qing-te - Does a cabinet overthrow truly matter? Lin Cho-shui reveals its 'impact is enormous': a sign of the failure of Lee Teng-hui's constitutional reforms
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: News
- Dates in source: 725