TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Global Visions’ latest public opinion poll of municipal leadership was announced on Monday (May 27), with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) repeating as a “five-star mayor” and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) earning recognition for the first time.

Other municipal leaders who earned 5-star honors include Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁), Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴), and Lienchang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming (王忠銘). Global Views’ opinion poll of municipal leaders began 30 years ago and has become an indicator of public satisfaction with regular local governance.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) emerged with the highest satisfaction rate among mayors at 72.9% and the highest governance rating at 74.5%. Her municipal leadership earned high marks in education, tourism, the economy, and employment. 

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) got high marks for attracting industries to the city, tourism, and hosting concerts. Chen's satisfaction rate exceeded 70% for the first time in 2024, with an overall governance score of 73.9, a seven-year high for Kaohsiung.

Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) also benefited from an improving economy as several industrial parks entered the area with the support of the central government. Weng helped transform Chiayi from a largely agricultural county to one that is also industrial.

Lianjiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming (王忠銘) also proved to be a popular leader after being promoted from the role of deputy magistrate, taking over from former five-star magistrate Liu Cheng-ying (劉增應). Wang received a 79.8% approval rating and 74.2% rating for governance.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) also saw his satisfaction level soar as he won the award for best progress and finished with a 4.5-star rating. However, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) dropped from five to four stars.

Chiang spoke to the media about his ranking, saying such reports are useful for reference purposes. He expressed gratitude to his team at Taipei City Government and all civil servants working at the grassroots level.

Chiang said municipal staff were diligent and have promoted the municipal administration through innovative activities and policies. For example, Chiang referred to the “Taipei New Zero 101 3-year plan” launched Monday (May 27).