Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen Visits Europe; Tsai Chi-chang: Exchange is Good, but Priorities Should Be Set

(Central News Agency reporter Zhao Liyan, Taichung, 7th) Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is on a 10-day visit to three European countries. DPP Legislator Tsai Chi-chang stated today that with the budget for the Taichung MRT Blue Line increasing, along with issues of public safety, child abuse cases, and the blocking of drone budgets, exchange is good, but municipal affairs are worrying and priorities should be set.

In response, the Taichung City Government stated in a press release that Mayor Lu's delegation is focusing on three main tasks: democratic exchange, urban governance, and economic and trade cooperation, aiming to deepen substantive exchanges between Taichung and various sectors in Europe, and to expand more international cooperation opportunities for Taiwan's industries.

Lu is leading a city government team on a 10-day visit to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria from the 6th to the 15th. Tsai made the above remarks today while accompanying DPP city councilor candidate Chien Chia-yu on a market walk.

Tsai stated that it is understandable for city and county chiefs to engage in city diplomacy, and it is acceptable if it helps the city. However, Taichung's municipal affairs are causing concern among citizens. "Administrative efficiency is poor, major construction projects are delayed, and the budget for the Taichung MRT Blue Line has increased (potentially requiring an additional NT$100 billion) to the point where it could almost build another MRT line. The city government should at least maintain a passing grade of 60 on municipal affairs to give the overseas visit more legitimacy."

Tsai mentioned that citizens also complain about public safety and child abuse incidents. "Mayor Lu is visiting Europe to exchange ideas on the drone industry, but in the central region's drone industry, self-made military procurement has been cut and blocked, and the proposed drone bill has been blocked again." He believes Lu should first solve industrial problems in Taichung, and then promote important industrial developments during exchanges.

DPP Legislator and DPP Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun also mentioned at an event today that Mayor Lu's urban governance capabilities are problematic. "In eight years, the Taichung MRT Blue Line has not broken ground. During this time, the pandemic hit, labor and raw material costs rose, and construction costs kept increasing. Now it might require an additional NT$100 billion. Citizens find it inexplicable. The longer the delay in starting construction, the higher the future costs, and the more money citizens will have to spend."

Additionally, regarding Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to Palau, Tsai said that the allied nation Palau has long supported Taiwan and, despite facing threats and pressure from China, still firmly supports Taiwan. Vice President Hsiao's trip represents the nation visiting Palau. With summer vacation approaching, he suggested that citizens consider Palau as a travel destination, expressing gratitude to the ally through action, deepening the friendship and exchanges between the two countries. He hopes Vice President Hsiao's visit will draw more attention to Palau as a great place for travel and vacation. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150607