By RK Shih/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺), now running in the DPP’s Kaohsiung mayoral primary, held a large rally Saturday in Qishan (旗山) to defend herself against allegations of illegally claiming legislative assistant fees. Calling the case politically motivated, Lin told supporters she is being “hunted” because she is leading in polls.
CNA reports that Lin, speaking before a crowd organizers claimed topped 20,000, said her 25 years of work for Kaohsiung had been repaid with “political persecution.”
“I hit No. 1 in the polls, and suddenly I’m targeted,” she said. “This is an unfair race. But Kaohsiung is not decided by prosecutors or political factions. Kaohsiung is decided by its people.”
Lawyers Take the Stage, Claim Case Has “Room for Acquittal”
Before the rally began, organizers screened a video titled “The Truth Behind Lin Tai-hua’s Indictment.” Supporters chanted “Lin Tai-hua is innocent,” and two of her defense attorneys were invited onstage. Attorney Tsai Chia-hao (蔡家豪) said that after reviewing the evidence, all four defense lawyers believe the case has “substantial room for acquittal,” promising to “fight to the end.” Lin has been charged in connection with the long-running national controversy over legislative assistant fee abuse, a recurring issue that has ensnared lawmakers from multiple parties.
Rally Framed as a Show of Strength in Kaohsiung Mayor Race
The “2026 Great Reform — Guardian Mayor” event was held at the Qishan Public Sports Ground. It was Lin’s second major rally this month, following one in Gangshan (岡山) on November 1. Independent Kaohsiung City Councilor Kao Chung-te (高忠德) again appeared to support her, joining Lin and several DPP councilors on stage for the finale.
Lin said that, unlike her rivals, she lacks a party machine, factional support, or cheer squads: “Others have big-name backing. I have none of that. And on top of it, the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors’ Office places a gag order. How is that fair?”
Lin Cites “Unfair Attacks,” Says Smear Campaign Used “Fake Text Messages”
Lin accused prosecutors and hostile media outlets of using false allegations and even fabricating ambiguous text messages to harm her candidacy.
“They want to break my hands and feet,” she said. “But Kaohsiung people do not give up. Fairness and justice do not give up.” She emphasized her loyalty to the party, saying she had “opened new ground for the DPP” and fought difficult electoral battles, only to ask for “one simple thing — a fair competition.”
Policy Pledges: NT$1 Million Whistleblower Bonus, Autonomous Buses, Senior Health Watches
Lin also reiterated several policy proposals if elected mayor:
• NT$1 million reward for citizens who successfully report illegal dumping or concealed landfill sites
• Completion of the Daqimei (大旗美) recreation zone, with autonomous electric buses to attract visitors
• A smart health watch for all Kaohsiung residents 65 or older
She said these were her commitments to ensuring “security and prosperity” for residents of the greater Qishan–Meinong area.
Rivalry With Fellow DPP Legislator Chiu Yi-ying
Asked why she held a major rally inside the district of her primary rival, legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩), Lin replied: “Every inch of Kaohsiung is the people’s hometown. It is also my hometown. Whenever I work for Kaohsiung, my blood heats up.”
Reports say DPP voters will pick their 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral candidate within the next 60 days.
