Wu Shu-chin Nominated for Penghu County Magistrate; Lai Ching-te: Continue Chen Kuang-fu's Governance

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 17th) Chen Kuang-fu, the incumbent Penghu County Magistrate originally nominated for re-election, suffered a severe head injury after a fall in February and remains hospitalized. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held its Central Executive Committee meeting today and decided to nominate Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chin, as its candidate for the Penghu County Magistrate election. President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as DPP chairperson, appealed to all who care for Chen Kuang-fu to "cherish the flower and pot," fully support Wu Shu-chin, and continue Chen's governance responsibilities.

Chen Kuang-fu, originally nominated by the DPP for re-election, fell during a Lunar New Year performance event hosted by the Cultural Bureau on February 17 (Lunar New Year's Day) this year, sustaining a serious head injury, and remains hospitalized.

The DPP's Central Executive Committee decided today to nominate Wu Shu-chin as its candidate for the Penghu County Magistrate election. Lai Ching-te tied a campaign sash onto Wu during a press conference this afternoon. He described the party's decision as "necessary yet painful," and urged all who care for Chen Kuang-fu to "cherish the flower and pot," continue to unite in supporting Wu, and ensure Penghu's development remains uninterrupted.

Lai stated that Wu Shu-chin will surely carry forward Chen Kuang-fu's spirit of "pragmatic governance" and continue building a livable, happy home where all generations are cared for and coexist harmoniously.

During her speech, Wu Shu-chin mentioned that she had always supported Chen Kuang-fu from behind the scenes, and now, with the party and fellow citizens supporting her, she is determined to take on Chen's responsibilities and burdens.

She emphasized that Penghu is Taiwan's democratic frontline, and its security directly affects the freedom and well-being of Taiwan's 23 million people. She criticized the Kuomintang (KMT) for pushing amendments to the "Outlying Islands Development Act" in the Legislative Yuan, aiming to introduce Chinese medical services and promote real estate investment. She questioned whether this truly develops outlying islands or undermines national security, stating that the people of Penghu absolutely reject such "selling-out Taiwan" legislation and will defend Taiwan's last democratic line.

Wu noted that Chen's accident made her deeply realize that Penghu's medical system still needs strengthening. During his term, Chen successfully secured emergency medical helicopters, saving countless lives in Penghu. Ironically, this same emergency helicopter saved Chen's life during the Lunar New Year incident, pulling him back from the brink of death.

Wu recalled that Chen had long advocated for a policy of "free healthcare premiums for all county residents." She reflected deeply, stating that even if hundreds of dollars in monthly premiums are waived, the real pain for Penghu lies in the inability to access specialist doctors or proper medical equipment during emergencies, leading to delayed transfers to Taiwan and missed rescue opportunities.

Therefore, her first policy proposal is to redirect that budget to annually inject 100 million New Taiwan Dollars into local healthcare. This includes hiring specialist physicians with high salaries to serve in Penghu, improving frontline medical staff benefits, purchasing life-saving equipment, eliminating the need for patients to travel for referrals, and urging central government support for Penghu.

Wu emphasized that she is ready to stand on the front lines, safeguard democracy, transform healthcare, improve transportation and tourism, and open a warm new chapter for Penghu. (Edited by Lin Ko-lun, Lin Hsing-meng) 1150617

Choose to stand with the facts—your support is the strength that protects press freedom.

Download the CNA "First News" app to stay updated with the latest news.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.