President 
Lai Ching-te spoke on September 12 at the opening of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Ho Hsin-chun's Taichung mayoral campaign headquarters, as Kuomintang rival Johnny Chiang launched a support group of retired frogmen. More than 3,000 people had poured in before proceedings began, 77 days before the local elections, Liberty Times reported. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and DPP legislator Tsai Chi-chang also spoke.
What did Lai tell the rally? Lai, who also chairs the DPP, gave three reasons to back Ho: she is well prepared, understands Taichung's problems and has proposed remedies, and the city is key to Taiwan's future high-tech industries, CNA reported. Speaking as commander-in-chief, he said the war in Ukraine had shown the importance of uncrewed vehicles, and that he wanted Ho as mayor so she could work well with the central government.
What did he say about Mayor Lu? Lai again criticised Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, saying the city is richly endowed but residents are broadly dissatisfied with its administration because of shortcomings in governance, Liberty Times reported. He said satisfaction with the city government trails that in Yunlin, Nantou and Miaoli, and asked repeatedly: "Won't Taichung change?" He urged supporters to rewrite Taichung's history by making Ho its new mayor.
What did the other speakers say? Ho set out a "three firsts and one big" platform to make Taichung a "quasi-capital" and a world-class city, saying she was ready, Liberty Times reported. Cheng said Taiwan's drone exports so far this year were already more than double last year's, because "the world needs Taiwan" and not a "red supply chain". Tsai, Ho's campaign chairman, said he was repeatedly asked whether he would resign as deputy legislative speaker when he ran for mayor four years ago, and asked why the same did not apply to Chiang, who now holds it.
What did Chiang say? Asked about Lai's visit for his opponent, Chiang said he hoped anyone with power and resources who comes to Taichung would leave those resources there to build the city. He said he respected candidates bringing in help and would keep to his own pace, CNA reported. More than 100 retired frogmen attended the launch at his West District office, where he pledged to guard Taichung in their spirit. Former legislator Lin Feng-hsi, a DPP founding member heading the group's advisers, said the ruling party had strayed from its founding spirit and democratic ideals, and urged support for Chiang.
Figures referenced: Lai Ching-te. — JudgeMarket.
