Turning now to the KMT’s newly minted presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, who was back at work as city mayor on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Hou promised not to let his campaign interfere with the running of New Taipei. When asked if he might take leave as mayor to focus on the race, Hou said that if he does, he will donate his salary and then some.
One day after his nomination for president, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih was all business, still focused on city affairs. Even so, his double role as candidate and mayor sparked criticism from the green camp, with councilors urging him to apologize and step down as mayor.
Cheng Yu-en
New Taipei City councilor (DPP)
If Mayor Hou Yu-ih can’t properly devote himself to being a mayor, then he should do what he did in 2018, when he resigned as deputy mayor to run for mayor. It simplifies matters. Resign as mayor to run for president.
Cho Kuan-ting
New Taipei City councilor (DPP)
Since the R.O.C. began direct presidential elections in 1996, the three mayors who stayed in office while running for president have all belonged to the KMT. Eric Chu, Han Kuo-yu, and Hou Yu-ih. And the first two didn’t fare well. Do the people of New Taipei owe it to the KMT to make this accommodation?
Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei mayor
The situation abroad is precarious, and a thousand things wait to be done at home. Someone who feels responsible for the country cannot turn a blind eye to this. They must step forward. The fate of the nation and the fate of New Taipei are closely entwined. So I will do my best to ensure that New Taipei keeps moving forward during this time.
In the wake of Hou’s nomination, supporters of Terry Gou expressed their disappointment. Hou had this to say:
Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei mayor
I have tremendous admiration for Chairman Gou. His three ideals of peace, prosperity, and integrity – I feel that they’re excellent. I have always emphasized one thing. Society must be fair, cross-strait relations must be peaceful, and the nation must be tranquil.
Hou said that if he takes leave from his mayor’s duties to campaign, he will donate his salary.
Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei mayor
I am dedicated to my country and to this society. I will donate my salary, plus an amount beyond that.
Hou reiterated that he will not allow his campaigning to interfere with city affairs. He said he was confident in being able to lead the KMT back to power in 2024.
