Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is regarded as a popular candidate from the Kuomintang (KMT) to challenge for the presidency in the future, and whether he will go straight for the presidency in 2028 is of great public interest. However, in an exclusive interview with a pro-blue media outlet, he said he is currently focusing entirely on city governance and seeking re-election, stating, "I haven't thought about 2028 at all."
Chiang Wan-an, 48, is a leader of the younger generation in Taiwan's opposition KMT, and the grandson of the late former President Chiang Ching-kuo.
The United Daily News published its interview with Chiang Wan-an on the 22nd. When asked whether his previous proposal to "abolish the Control Yuan" was interpreted as an intention to run for the presidency in 2028—and even sparked calls of "President Chiang" within the KMT—Chiang responded that as Taipei Mayor he is, of course, concerned about Taiwan's future development. "These issues, I care about and everyone cares about, but it doesn't mean I'm going to run for president."
Chiang said: "Right now, I am totally focused on city governance and my re-election; I really haven't thought about 2028 at all."
Asked whether Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Lai Ching-te, since taking office, has abandoned the position of "Taiwan independence" and "anti-nuclear", Chiang Wan-an said in the interview that energy issues have always been a concern for the public, especially as industry needs and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) require electricity. As such, he called on the central government to consider whether energy policy is really heading in the right direction.
As to whether the DPP has truly abolished its "Taiwan independence" doctrine, Chiang said the DPP's pro-independence party platform has not, in fact, been deleted. He added that what matters most is how peace and stability are maintained between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. "The words and actions of the government must be consistent, and we must trust the wisdom of the people, because the people are very clear-eyed."