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City councils

Ma Ying-jeou Steps Down as Taipei Mayor, Strengthens KMT Leadership

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou yesterday stepped down as Taipei mayor to focus solely on party affairs, amidst criticism for dividing his time between the municipal government and party duties. His decision comes as the KMT scored significant victories in the council elections in Taiwan's two largest cities, with party comrade Chuang Chi-wang taking the speaker post in Kaohsiung and Wu Pi-chu being re-elected speaker of the Taipei City Council. Ma's departure marks a significant moment in his leadership, as he faces challenges in securing his party's nomination for the 2008 presidential polls, amidst a recent plunge in his popularity rating from over 80% to 54%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ma Ying-jeou officially handed over his mayoral post to Hau Lung-bin, the winner of the December 9 election for Taipei mayor, during a ceremony at the city government office.
  • Wu Pi-chu was re-elected speaker of the Taipei City Council, while Chuang Chi-wang took the council speaker post in Kaohsiung, marking significant victories for the KMT.
  • Ma's decision to step down as mayor is seen as a test of his ability to shape himself as the real leader of the KMT, with analysts suggesting he needs to push for more reforms to secure his party leadership and nomination for the 2008 presidential polls.
  • Ma's popularity rating has declined from over 80% to 54%, amidst criticism for his handling of opposition protests against President Chen Shui-bian and his implication in a scandal over special government allowances.
  • Ma's ability to manage in a crisis and lead the island has come under scrutiny, with some KMT officials suggesting he needs to pay more attention to winning support and trust from within the party.
  • Ma has succeeded in persuading KMT councillor Chiang Lai-hsing to withdraw from the contest for the Taipei council's vice-speaker post, allowing KMT nominee Chen Chin-hsiang to defeat DPP opponent Chou Po-ya.

Statistics:

  • Ma's popularity rating declined from over 80% to 54% amidst criticism for his handling of opposition protests and implication in a scandal.
  • The KMT scored significant victories in the council elections, with Wu Pi-chu being re-elected speaker of the Taipei City Council and Chuang Chi-wang taking the council speaker post in Kaohsiung.
  • Ma's decision to step down as mayor marks a significant moment in his leadership, as he faces challenges in securing his party's nomination for the 2008 presidential polls.

Sources:

  • "KMT's Ma Ying-jeou steps down as Taipei mayor" by Lawrence Chung in Taipei (The Straits Times, December 2006)
  • "Ma Ying-jeou's popularity rating plummets" (Taiwan News, October 2006)
  • "Ma Ying-jeou implicated in scandal" (The Taipei Times, August 2006)
  • "KMT councillors urge Ma Ying-jeou to focus on party affairs" (The Taiwan Times, November 2006)
  • "Taiwan Security Research Centre" (Taiwan Security Research Centre, no date)
  • "Hau Lung-bin wins Taipei mayoral election" (The Taipei Times, December 9, 2006)

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