TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has hinted Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) could join the central government after he completes his second term in December.
The Democratic Progressive Party has nominated Legislator Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) as its candidate in the Nov. 28 mayoral election, with the new mayor to be sworn in on Dec. 25. On Wednesday, Lai said Chen should be prepared “not to rest for a long time,” but to help the central government, per CNA.
Lai said Chen bears a heavy responsibility in governing the city and handing over the municipal government to Lai Jui-lung, adding that the outgoing mayor would need to take on work on behalf of the country.
During a temple visit Thursday, Chen said Kaohsiung is entering an important phase of transformation. He said he would focus on projects including industrial parks and mass rapid transit lines in cooperation with the central government and the Legislative Yuan.
Chen said his task is to complete major engineering projects by the end of his term. The public hopes the mayor will keep working to provide citizens with a secure living and working environment, he said.
