Chen Suchueh-Moon on Online Program: Seeking Support from Independent Voters in Changhua County Election

By Central News Agency reporter Wu Che-Hao, Changhua, June 16

Chen Suchueh-Moon, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) nominee for Changhua County magistrate, said in an interview that the government's plan to provide a growth allowance for children aged 0 to 18 has been well-received at the grassroots level. Due to the serious issue of low birth rates, the public feels the impact of this policy and even hopes for increased benefits. She also emphasized her efforts to gain support from independent voters in the county magistrate election.

The Changhua County magistrate election, scheduled for the end of the year, will see the Kuomintang (KMT) nominating lawyer Wei Ping-Cheng, while the DPP has nominated Chen Suchueh-Moon, a legislator from Changhua. Former Changhua City Mayor Chiu Chien-Fu, who lost the DPP's internal primary, announced his departure from the party and will run as an independent candidate.

Speaking on a live-streamed online program today, Chen said that the KMT and DPP each hold about 30% of the basic voter base in Changhua County. To win the election, she stressed the need to break out of the echo chamber and gain recognition from independent voters.

Chen expressed respect for former mayor Chiu Chien-Fu's decision to run as an independent but emphasized that politicians should prioritize public welfare over political calculations. While acknowledging Chiu's achievements as mayor, she noted that in a county-level election, voters consider whether their vote will truly benefit Changhua—a key area where she aims to make progress.

Chen criticized Chiu for participating in the DPP's primary and then refusing to accept the results, a stance she believes voters find difficult to accept. Regarding the KMT's nominee Wei Ping-Cheng, she noted he hails from She-Tou Township, overlapping with her constituency, and that Hsiao Ching-Tien, who is managing Wei's campaign, holds significant influence in agricultural associations—an impact that cannot be ignored. This, she said, is why she previously warned against underestimating Wei.

After Chiu announced his intention to run following the primary, the DPP central leadership reached out to him. However, Chen stated that with Chiu having officially left the party, there is now little room for further discussion.

Chen highlighted that policies like the government's proposed 0-to-18 growth allowance have received strong grassroots support. Some residents feel the subsidies are insufficient given the severity of the low birth rate crisis, and many express strong appreciation for the policy, even calling for higher benefits.

She also criticized the KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) coalition (referred to as 'Blue-White') for blocking the review of the central government's budget in the legislature. For example, a proposal to raise the elderly farmer allowance from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000 failed to pass. Chen said she has encountered many farmers during local visits who question her about this issue.

Chen acknowledged that governing comes with burdens, but stressed that the DPP does not currently hold a legislative majority. She urged the opposition not to underestimate voters' intelligence, noting that many people are closely watching the behavior of legislators. She reaffirmed her commitment to doing her job well. (Editor: Chang Ming-Kun) 1150616