Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has been rallying citizens to participate in the 725 Kai Dao anti-oil protest, steadily increasing his political influence. A recent survey by the Taiwan Inspiration Association shows that 30% of respondents believe Chiang is the most suitable candidate for the KMT's 2028 presidential election, surpassing Taichung Mayor Lu Xuanyun's 23% and Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu's 19%. Analyst Yabuta Akira opines that Chiang is gradually gaining a leadership position within the blue camp, and this rally also serves as a declaration of succession. Yabuta Akira stated on 'After Work, Let's Chat' that KMT Chairwoman Zheng Lili has recently accumulated significant influence through visits to China and the U.S., as well as political issues. If Chiang, Lu, and Han continue to miss important political events, the blue camp's voice may be entirely controlled by the party central. Therefore, Chiang's leadership of the Kai Dao activity can also be seen as a return to the political stage. Is the 725 rally only about food safety? Yabuta Akira believes that Chiang's initiation of a large-scale rally is not only about voicing concerns over the food safety issue but also about demonstrating his political mobilization capabilities to the outside world. He describes this event as having the effect of Chiang 'declaring himself as the crown prince,' allowing the outside world to see his potential to challenge in 2028. However, Chiang has denied that the rally is a warm-up for the presidential election, emphasizing that the attendees are concerned about food safety, government handling, and family health, 'no one is talking about the election,' and criticizing the DPP for politicizing the event. Could he have waited until 2032? Yabuta Akira: The opportunity for 2028 has arrived. Yabuta Akira analyzes that, given Chiang's age and political career, a more stable plan would be to run for president in 2032 after stepping down as Taipei mayor. However, with the rise in 2028 polls and the beginning of consolidation among blue camp supporters, Chiang may not rule out running earlier. He points out that Chiang has been continuously expressing opinions on issues such as food safety, no-confidence motions, and cabinet appointments, with his statements exceeding the scope of Taipei city governance. 'At least in this recent period, it's Chiang's show,' Yabuta Akira believes that even if Chiang is not the KMT chairman, his actual political influence may still surpass the party central, and whether he continues to speak on national issues will be an important indicator of his 2028 moves.

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: Survey
  • Dates in source: 725