Lawmakers’ establishment of service centers outside their own constituencies shows that they are already preparing for the seven-in-one elections to be held at the end of next year, political analysts are saying.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators Chi Kuo-tung (紀國棟) and Tsai Chin-lung (蔡錦隆) have been the first to open up the service centers.
Tsai’s opened up an office in the eastern district of Greater Taichung yesterday with a launch that was attended by Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), Deputy Legislative Speaker Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱), Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo (毛治國), Taichung Council Deputy Speaker Chang hung-nein (張宏年) and singer Tsai Yi-te (蔡義德).
In a speech at the opening ceremony, Wang said that Tsai Chin-lung — a three-term legislator who also doubled as secretary-general of the DPP legislative caucus — had shown great ability when he worked for the central government.
His establishment of a service office at the eastern district shows that he aspires to higher goals, Wang said, adding that Tsai should plan his moves carefully.
Asked if he would support Tsai Chin-lung as a candidate for Greater Taichung mayor, Wang did not answer, instead saying that the local DPP headquarters would step in to mediate if there were more than one candidate for the race.
If necessary, the decision could be made by consulting polls, Wang said, adding that he would back whoever the DPP nominated.
Tsai plans to open a total of eight service offices in Greater Taichung this week.
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