Awakening of the Southern Metropolis: Three Major Factors for Kaohsiung People's Propensity for Change

 Awakening of the Southern Metropolis: Three Major Factors for Kaohsiung People's Propensity for Change

United Daily News Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

November 1, 2018

 Translation of an Excerpt

Under the DPP's attacks from all directions, Han Kuo-yu’s popularity has increased instead of declining in Kaohsiung City, with a tendency to keep climbing. Very obviously, Han Kuo-yu has successfully debunked the DPP’s illusion of glory for its two-decade rule in Kaohsiung, also calling up the reflection and resonance of local residents. This wave of "Han Kuo-yu vogue" has reflected Kaohsiung residents’ propensity for change, for the DPP, which is still being indulged in pride of "Green rule," it is tantamount to dropping a super bombshell.

This time, Kaohsiung, considered as the Green camp hardcore stronghold, there surprisingly occurred an earth-shaking, mountain-rocking tidal wave for change by the public; generally, the observation can be done from three facets. First, the DPP, in ruling Kaohsiung, has done more superficial planning than concrete construction, squandering big money to build up “government performance,” leading, however, to piled up debts; mistakes in decision-making at the national level have caused people’s livelihoods to be mired in predicament, but they have not an iota of intent for self-reflection. This is all unbearable for Kaohsiung residents.

Second, the wrong thinking in the development direction of the Kaohsiung metropolis. Kaohsiung possesses good requirements for a port city, with abundant human resources, and a solid foundation for heavy industries, thus having excellent terms for development. Besides serving as a bellwether for southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung could, if aggressively planned, become the regional center facing Asia-Pacific development. Lamentably, the DPP uses "nativism" and "closed door policies" to constrict the unique qualities of Kaohsiung.

Third, the differences in qualifications of Chen Chi-mai and Han Kuo-yu. Chen Chi-mai is a local politician and at one time acted as Kaohsiung mayor. However, Han Kuo-yu, armed with solid connections as the general manager of the Taipei Farmers Market, has no difficulties whatsoever connecting the grassroots in economic, social, and interpersonal relationships. Thus, in a short period of time, he profoundly touched and ignited the echoes of the grassroots in Kaohsiung.

The DPP may pretend not to see this, and may continue to pretend that bread-and-butter economics is not important, but it eventually has to face the betrayal of the vox populi.

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