Former Changhua Mayor Chiu Chien-fu Resigns from DPP, to Run for County Magistrate as Independent

(Central News Agency, reporter Cheng Wei-chen, Changhua, 9th) Former Changhua City Mayor Chiu Chien-fu visited the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Changhua County headquarters this morning to submit his party resignation application, declaring his candidacy for Changhua County Magistrate as an independent.

The DPP Changhua County headquarters stated that the DPP has officially nominated Legislator Chen Su-yueh to run for Changhua County Magistrate, and all procedures are being handled according to party constitution and regulations. It called on party members to think carefully, avoid actions that would sadden friends and gladden enemies, and to work together in unity.

In an interview with the media, Chiu said that the people of Changhua expect party interests to be set aside in favor of the county's interests. Therefore, after leaving the party, he will not join any other party, transcending partisanship to promote Changhua's long-term progress. He expressed confidence in winning the 2026 Changhua County Magistrate election, stating, "I do not fight battles I am not sure of winning. Since I have announced my candidacy, I have full confidence and certainty."

Chiu stated that he has been involved in party work since the DPP's early days, is a founding and lifetime member, and has served as a county councilor, Changhua City Mayor, and two terms as the head of the Changhua County party headquarters. He thanked the DPP for its past cultivation but noted that the party's development in recent years has gradually deviated from its founding ideals. Many decisions are now dominated by specific factions, grassroots voices are increasingly difficult to hear, and space for internal democratic discussion has been continuously compressed.

He said leaving the DPP after nearly 40 years of membership is not abandoning his commitment to Taiwan's democracy and freedom, nor changing his belief in "Taiwan First, Changhua Priority." Instead, he hopes to break free from the party framework and be directly accountable to the county's residents with a broader perspective. He admitted the decision to leave the party was not easy, but it is the most responsible choice at this stage.

Regarding recent criticism about his friendly relations with various party camps, Chiu argued that having friends from different political backgrounds is normal. Politics should not be about creating enemies but about gathering more people willing to work for local development to solve problems together. He noted that Changhua is a typical swing county, where independent voters are the key to winning elections, and this is his greatest advantage—judging right from wrong without dividing along blue-green lines.

In response to Chiu's resignation, Chen Su-yueh declined to comment, only stating that she will continue to strive for the support of the county's residents.

Kuomintang (KMT) Changhua County Magistrate candidate Wei Ping-cheng told CNA that he respects everyone's right to participate in politics and will do his utmost to gain the recognition of the county's residents and win the election. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609