TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former TPP Spokesperson Yang Pao-chen (楊寶楨) said Tuesday she may leave the party and run as an independent in the Taichung City Council election if she does not secure the party’s nomination.
Speaking in an interview, Yang said she would break with the party and run independently if the TPP decided not to nominate a candidate in Taichung’s East and South districts, per UP Media. She said the lack of a nomination plan or primary registration process had prompted her to consider the move.
Commenting on the TPP’s future prospects, Yang expressed concern that the party’s continued focus on cooperation with the opposition coalition could alienate younger supporters, per Mirror Media. She warned the strategy risked driving away some TPP voters.
The TPP quickly responded to Yang’s remarks. Party Spokesperson Chang Tung (張彤) called on Yang to follow party procedures and register for the election, per Z.Media. TPP caucus convener and Taichung branch Chair Chen Ching-lung (陳清龍) said party members interested in running for office should first coordinate with their local branch, per Newtalk.
TPP Taichung City Councilor Chiang Ho-shu (江和樹), who had previously supported Yang’s possible candidacy, voiced opposition to her bid, per UDN. He said he did not believe Yang would ultimately run in 2026, arguing that she had neither coordinated with the party nor built local support in Taichung.
Chiang previously accused Yang of failing to cultivate grassroots backing while portraying herself as a victim to gain public sympathy, per FTV. He also alleged that Yang could withdraw from the race soon after securing the party’s nomination.
Responding to Chiang’s shift in stance, Yang initially urged public figures to avoid labeling others. She later suggested Chiang’s position may have changed because of pressure from the party leadership.
