TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP primary for Tainan mayor is emerging as a contest of strategy.
Legislator Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) is banking on her strong local base and support from opposition figures, while fellow lawmaker Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) is aligning closely with the party’s central leadership and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
On Sunday, Chen criticized the central government’s typhoon recovery efforts, describing them as slow and ineffective. Former DPP Legislator Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄) suggested Chen’s criticism served as a way to undermine Lin, widely regarded as aligned with Lai and the DPP’s leadership, per NOW News.
Shen said Chen had previously avoided directly criticizing Lai even when she was leading in the polls, but current circumstances may outweigh the political risk. Chen continued her attacks on Monday, targeting the Ministry of the Interior for what she called a cumbersome and delayed relief process for typhoon victims, per Newtalk.
Local insiders said Chen’s outreach to the KMT and TPP may help expand her support base in the DPP primary, per UP Media. They also noted that opposition figures have a vested interest in backing Chen, as it allows them to both strengthen ties with a competitive candidate and criticize the DPP from within.
New Party Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting (侯漢廷) accused Lin of using Chinese-made campaign materials, per UP Media. Lin acknowledged the product’s origin but said the vendor was fulfilling a pre-existing contract.
The insiders suggested Chen’s independent positioning may also be influenced by the upcoming recall election, which could affect the legislature's balance of power. Lin entered the pro-recall faction early, while Chen has been more cautious and distanced.
However, the insiders cautioned that her approach could alienate core supporters, as the DPP's base traditionally favors loyalty. Lin has responded to Chen’s strategy by emphasizing his track record within the DPP and alignment with the national agenda.
Lin has also used the opposition’s support for Chen as a point of contrast, suggesting that it reflects her move away from DPP principles.
Tainan, seen as a political stronghold for Lai, has become the stage for a primary that reflects broader tensions: a central leadership-backed candidate versus a figure with cross-party appeal but no clear endorsement from the top.
