Chu Cheng-chi's Council Nomination Revoked Due to Espionage Case, Wang Shih-chien's Protégé to Fill Vacancy

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) today convened its Central Executive Committee, with DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng hosting the post-meeting press conference.

Wu Cheng stated that Chu Cheng-chi passed the Taipei City Councilor primary but was indicted in an espionage case, which severely damaged the party's reputation. The Central Executive Committee today resolved to revoke Chu Cheng-chi's councilor nomination and replace him with another candidate, Lai Chun-han.

Additionally, the cases involving DPP Taoyuan City Councilor Yu Wu-ho, DPP Taoyuan City Councilor candidate Hu Chia-chih, and Taoyuan Councilor Chang Chao-liang, who are implicated in legal matters, were also discussed by the Central Executive Committee.

It was reported that for Hu Chia-chih's case, prosecutors did not summon, detain, or indict him, so his nomination will essentially continue. For Chang Chao-liang and Yu Wu-ho, according to party regulations, a first-instance guilty verdict would lead to non-nomination. As their verdicts have not yet been rendered, the Central Executive Committee resolved to maintain their nominations with conditions, meaning if a first-instance result comes out before registration, it will be handled according to party regulations.

According to reports, DPP Central Standing Committee member Chen Mao-sung questioned at the meeting why DPP Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun, who was suspended for 2 years and 6 months by the Integrity Committee due to her involvement in a case, could still participate in the Central Review Committee. He argued that according to party regulations, her qualification in the Central Review Committee should be revoked. President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as DPP chairman, instructed the Organization Department to handle the matter according to party regulations.

Separately, media reports indicated that former President Tsai Ing-wen persuaded Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun to run for Taipei mayor. Wang Shih-chien, interviewed before the DPP Central Executive Committee meeting today, said he believes that if Tsai Ing-wen personally steps forward, Cheng Li-chun would seriously consider it, which is a positive development.

Wang Shih-chien pointed out that he was probably the first to suggest that Cheng Li-chun should run for mayor of the capital, because Cheng Li-chun possesses both talent and virtue, is very meticulous, and is good at coordination. During her negotiations in the United States, she bore significant responsibilities and the expectations of the entire nation, achieving brilliant results. Therefore, he believes Cheng Li-chun is the best candidate for mayor of the capital. (Editor: Chang Jo-yao) 1150408