TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) has been repeatedly heckled while canvassing voters as his party’s candidate in the upcoming New Taipei mayoral race, per CNA.
Huang visited several temples in the Zhonghe and Xizhi districts on Saturday, where he was met by several protesters. While speaking to reporters at Zhonghe's Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple (烘爐地南山福德宮), Huang said he had encountered what he claimed were “irrational and emotional” DPP supporters who shouted insults at him.
He said the incidents did not affect his mood, according to CNA. “My attitude is always mild and rational. We did not intend to create any conflict. We hope to do good deeds during the Lunar New Year,” Huang told reporters.
Huang, known for his combative exchanges and screaming at political rivals in the legislature, said verbal abuse and shouting during the holiday period were inappropriate and called for more constructive policy discussions.
On Friday, Huang was also confronted while campaigning in Changhua County’s Erlin Township, where a man on a scooter repeatedly heckled him. A TPP volunteer attempted to shove a piece of candy in the man’s mouth in an effort to stop him from speaking, an incident that sparked controversy.
Hung Ya-ting (洪雅婷), a TPP candidate for Changhua County councilor, said the volunteer knew the man involved and had already apologized. Huang said he did not personally witness the interaction.
He said most Taiwanese are kind-hearted and expressed hope for reduced confrontation and more substantive public policy debate. Huang added that he plans to release policy proposals in stages beginning next week. Regarding potential joint proposals with the KMT, he said discussions are ongoing and that most proposals have been finalized, pending an appropriate time for a joint announcement.
Meanwhile, Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧), the DPP’s New Taipei mayoral candidate, said she had not experienced similar disruptions during her Lunar New Year visits in the city and described her reception as warm and hospitable.
“An election is like a marathon; everyone has their own pace,” Su said, adding that her campaign strategy combines ground and media outreach efforts to win support from New Taipei residents.
