Free school lunch debate erupts ahead of Taiwan elections

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) accused Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) Wednesday (Jan. 14) of using free school lunch policy as an election tactic. The criticism sparked political clashes between the DPP and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) months before November's city and county elections. Chiang's announcement triggered similar policy rollouts across multiple cities.

Hsu questioned Chiang's motives, noting Taipei's financial health ranks best among Taiwan's cities and suggesting the timing serves electoral purposes. He recalled proposing a similar initiative as a Taipei City councilor, but then-Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) rejected it. Ten counties had already implemented free nutritious school lunch programs before Taipei's announcement, Hsu stated.

Yeh Hsiang-yuan (葉向媛), deputy spokesperson for Taipei City Government, countered that Hsu's criticism inadvertently attacked DPP-led cities that followed Taipei's initiative. She noted Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) announced similar policies days after Taipei's rollout. Yeh labeled Hsu "the strongest manipulator for DPP votes" in her response to the accusations.

Mayor Chiang announced earlier this month that all public and private elementary and middle schools would offer free lunches by this year. The program costs NT$60 to NT$70 (around US$1.94 to US$2.26) per meal for students across Taipei's schools. Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Keelung, Hsinchu, and Pingtung County unveiled similar plans days after Taipei's announcement, joining counties already providing free lunches.

The policy announcements come months before Taiwan's city and county elections Friday (Nov. 28). The DPP has not selected a candidate to challenge Chiang in Taipei, traditionally a difficult district for the ruling party. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) reportedly favored Legislator Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤), but she showed little interest in running. Some speculate Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's cabinet head, might resign to enter the race.

Hsu clarified he would not enter the race, stating he previously considered Legislator Wang Shih-chien (王世堅) and Wu as potential candidates. He emphasized Taipei has no shortage of contenders for the DPP nomination despite the party's traditional challenges in the capital. Hsu hinted at announcing a candidate before the Lunar New Year slated in mid-February, but grassroots supporters remain anxious about the undecided choice. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31)