Shen Po-yang: Launching Five Major Policies in August, Restructuring Campaign Headquarters

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui recently revealed the design of her campaign office, drawing public attention. DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang stated tonight that he plans to launch five major policies in August, with his actively developing campaign headquarters being designed accordingly.

Shen attended the Wenshan District 'Muzha Green Bamboo Shoot Feast' event in the evening. Before the event, during a joint media interview, he said that farmers' associations have always played a vital role in local communities by promoting products such as green bamboo shoots and Tieguanyin tea, contributing significantly to urban development. He visited the event ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival to express his appreciation.

When asked about Su Chiao-hui's recent release of a video showcasing her campaign office—reportedly visited by Shen—journalists inquired about progress and potential campaign merchandise. Shen replied that his campaign headquarters is still under active preparation, aiming to offer a fresh impression. Future plans, including style and visual identity, will be announced later and will align with the five major policies to be unveiled in August.

Regarding Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's speech in Singapore, where he compared Taipei's culture to a spicy hot pot—'spicy, fresh, and aromatic, with various ingredients perfectly blended'—netizens pointed out he has used this metaphor in at least four major events. In response, Shen likened Taipei to 'shaved ice,' prompting a blue-camp Taipei councilor to mock his narrative as resembling 'oyster omelet.'

Shen clarified that the essence of the 'shaved ice' analogy lies in diversity—each bite offers a different flavor, just as each administrative district in Taipei has its own unique characteristics. He hopes this metaphor helps people better understand Taipei's rich regional diversity.

He added that 'oyster omelet' is delicious and that Taipei is a large enough table to accommodate various local snacks and features. 'Oyster omelet' is by no means a negative dish, and he welcomes everyone to share their favorite local foods.

When asked whether 'shaved ice'-themed campaign merchandise would be released, Shen said shaved ice can include many toppings—for example, roasted mochi could represent Beitou's hot springs—and encouraged people to use their imagination. He also mentioned he enjoys many ice dessert shops and will recommend some when time permits.

Regarding his recent proposal to alleviate Neihu's traffic congestion through staggered work hours and aligned break times, Shen explained that the ultimate goal is to increase flexibility. Flexible working hours and extended childcare services would give people more time. This was the concept he previously advocated.

He reiterated this point in discussing Neihu's traffic issues, stating that the future Taipei City Government should provide incentives to encourage ESG-compliant businesses to adopt sustainable practices, aiming to promote flexible work schedules and staggered commuting times. Combined with flexible extended childcare hours, parents would have more time to spend with their children. He noted that Chiang Wan-an has also proposed similar ideas, yet his opponent's camp is now attacking these proposals.

Shen questioned whether Chiang Wan-an opposes concepts like 'tech housing,' 'youth housing,' and 'marriage and parenting housing.' He emphasized that increasing housing options in areas like Neihu and Nangang could gradually ease pressure. This must be complemented by labor and working-hour policies and solutions for the 'last mile' of public transportation.

'They (the opposing camp) have said these things before,' Shen said. The current challenge lies in execution. He is merely reiterating past proposals and highlighting implementation barriers, yet facing malicious disinformation, which he finds regrettable.

When asked about a recent online popularity ranking placing President Lai Ching-te, Shen, and Chiang Wan-an in the top three, Shen expressed gratitude for online support. However, he identified two key tasks: converting online goodwill into actual votes and increasing grassroots understanding of his platform and vision. That is why he attended tonight's event—to connect directly with the community.

He added that the opposition is aware of his rising popularity, hence the recent wave of false rumors and malicious video edits aimed at discrediting him. He proposed five distinct solutions for Neihu's traffic issues to alleviate congestion, but these were maliciously edited to portray him as ignorant of local problems. Nevertheless, he vowed to withstand such attacks and continue presenting Taipei's future vision and direction. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ju)