Cheng Li-wun Backs Lee Ssu-chuan, Pushing for 'Strong Alliance' to Lead Northern Taiwan

(CNA, New Taipei, May 21, reporter Huang Hsu-sheng) Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun stated today that nominating Lee Ssu-chuan to run for New Taipei City Mayor is aimed at creating a "strong alliance" to build an international metropolitan area encompassing Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, thereby driving progress in northern Taiwan. In this process, New Taipei City will play the vital role of a locomotive. Today, Cheng Li-wun and KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Ssu-chuan attended the "Solidarity Rally for Military Personnel, Civil Servants, Teachers, Police, and Firefighters" at the KMT's New Taipei City headquarters, where they delivered speeches. Participants joined hands, shouting for unity and "dong-suan" (election victory). Cheng stated that military personnel, civil servants, teachers, police, and firefighters are crucial for maintaining national defense resilience and security, but they are now being humiliated, leading to low morale, which jeopardizes national security. She expressed that these groups have selflessly dedicated their youth, and even sacrificed their lives, to become the backbone of the nation's defense. However, when the KMT fights for their rights, political flankers and hitmen emerge to attack these heroes who protect the country. Cheng said that the KMT had an impressive track record when in power, and the New Taipei City Government has also governed pragmatically, worked with integrity and efficiency, diligently served the grassroots, kept the people in mind, and reflected public opinion. Therefore, Lee Ssu-chuan, with administrative experience in Kaohsiung, New Taipei, and Taipei cities, was nominated to run for the next New Taipei mayor. She described him as a flawless candidate who can withstand scrutiny and who will be more humble, down-to-earth, and grateful for the citizens' trust. She hopes for a grand slam in the mayoral, city council, and borough chief elections. In his speech, Lee Ssu-chuan said that he has never run for office before, and the transition from being a campaign supporter to a candidate is not an easy one. Having spent his life as a public servant helping citizens solve problems, he hopes this election will create an environment where public servants are empowered to take initiative. He mentioned that pension reform has made many people unwilling to become civil servants, citing that the Taipei City Government is short by more than 8,000 employees, and people are even reluctant to take the civil service exam, leading to an impending crisis of insufficient municipal manpower. Lee Ssu-chuan said he will give his all, hoping to return to the public service system and allow civil servants to serve the people with dignity. (Editor: Lee Shu-hua) 1150521