The two top figures of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have refused to run for mayor of Taipei, increasing the likelihood that Chuang Yung-tai will be forced to enter the race. This also indicates that the chances of Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Chiang Wan-an winning a second term are almost 100%.

Taipei is an absolute difficult area for the DPP. Except for the time when the blue camp split and allowed Chen Shui-bian to benefit, the green camp has no chance of winning here. This is why the DPP later chose to abandon its own people in order to support Ko Wen-je to defeat Lien Chan.

For the 2026 Taipei mayoral election, four people have been mentioned by the green camp: "Premier" Chuang Yung-tai, "Vice Premier" Zheng Li-jun, "Legislator" Wang Shi-jian, a member of the "Ying faction" from Taipei, and Wu Szu-yao, a key figure cultivated by the "New Tide faction."

Wang Shi-jian stated today, "The person the DPP is looking for is definitely not me." Zheng Li-wen, who just returned to Taiwan after negotiating a trade agreement in the United States, clearly refused, saying, "I will definitely not run for mayor of Taipei." Why? Because everyone knows that if they run, they will only be a pawn, a sacrifice.

Lai Qing-de is trying hard to encourage Chuang Yung-tai, believing that only he has enough influence and only he running can achieve a "small loss but win," helping the DPP hold on to its base. Lai's real intention is to use this way of promoting a "strong warrior" to make Chuang Yung-tai step down, while at the same time carrying out a "cabinet" reshuffle. Therefore, Chuang Yung-tai is merely a piece and a tool.

Only when Chuang Yung-tai also refuses to run will Wu Szu-yao have a chance. Whether in terms of public attention or status, she is not as good as the other three. Therefore, if Wu Szu-yao finally runs, her role will only be to gain personal experience, increase campaign experience, and collect some political donations in the process.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855076657772552/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.