TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) declared his intention on Wednesday (July 16) to form a strategic alliance with Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislators representing Taiwan's most populous municipality to address forthcoming governance challenges. The mayor's announcement followed a high-level municipal administrative meeting. Hou underscored the unified pledge from all six KMT lawmakers representing New Taipei City to intensify efforts securing additional infrastructure funding and development projects for local residents while simultaneously working to maintain national stability.
The announcement comes as Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, prepares for a major political demonstration scheduled for Saturday (July 19) at Banqiao Stadium (板橋體育場), the largest sports venue in New Taipei City. This expanded rally aims to counter recent recall efforts targeting KMT officials. During his remarks, Mayor Hou voiced strong support for the city's legislative delegation, promising more responsive governance and proactive problem-solving initiatives for constituents. "Let's work together," Hou urged in a direct appeal for broader public participation in the upcoming demonstration, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing municipal challenges.
The mayor also addressed ongoing political tensions surrounding a proposed cash distribution program, criticizing Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) reluctance to implement a NT$10,000 (approximately US$341) direct payment to citizens. Hou delivered a pointed warning to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), suggesting they risk alienating ordinary Taiwanese voters by dismissing the financial relief measure. "For many families, NT$10,000 covers critical household expenses like electricity bills or educational costs," the mayor emphasized, advocating for swift execution of the Legislative Yuan's (Taiwan's parliament) formal resolution authorizing the payments as an essential step toward responding to widespread economic concerns among the public. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.3)