TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) said on Thursday he hoped to gain more support from Taipei residents as he prepares his mayoral campaign.
During an interview on Pop Radio's news station, Shen acknowledged incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s (蔣萬安) but said he believed he has strong capabilities and can propose many ideas to solve municipal issues, according to CNA.
Shen said he had a vision for the city and hopes residents will give him an opportunity. In addition to visiting traditional markets, Shen said he plans to hold numerous forums and small community gatherings to discuss policy visions in every neighborhood and seek voter support.
The party nominated Shen as its candidate for the Taipei mayoral race on Wednesday. Asked by the host whether the Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum would continue in 2027 if he became mayor, Shen said that the forum’s effectiveness is extremely limited and that citizens have little sense of participation, CNA reported.
“It’s basically just bureaucrats from both sides exchanging business cards and repeating talking points already prepared by their staff. Then it ends,” Shen said. “So why waste money on this? Why not use those resources on something more meaningful for citizens?”
Shen said that if, for example, Taipei and London were to hold a forum on fashion, both governments and the private sectors should collaborate and involve industries from both sides. This would create a stronger sense of participation and benefit for Taiwan and its people.
