As the campaign progresses, the “crowdfunding” debate reflects a wider split over whether the government should be a direct financier of local industry or simply a facilitator for private investment.

Liu described the conviction as a “critical life lesson” that taught him humility and a deeper understanding of responsibility. He further urged the public to judge his value not just by a “mistake from many years ago,” but by how he rose from that fall and the contributions he is making to society today.

Polls have shown Lai ahead 45.5%, with Ko at 26.2% — but others have Ko leading Lai 44% to 37.7%, underscoring how fluid the race still appears to be this far from election day.

The visit came as Tsai has remained highly visible on social media after leaving office, with recent appearances alongside Democratic Progressive Party candidates in other parts of Taiwan.

By Eryk Michael Smith / Staff KAOHSIUNG — With his second term nearing its end, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) presented what…

Ministry of Transportation (MOTC) data indicates that the overwhelming majority of traffic accidents and hit-and-run incidents in Kaohsiung continue to involve Taiwanese citizens. Critics of proposed crackdowns have previously noted that focusing solely on migrant workers may overlook broader systemic issues, such as the general lack of road safety infrastructure or the high volume of unlicensed Taiwanese drivers.

Disputed data on growth, wages and tourism highlight tensions over Kaohsiung’s economic direction.

Ko said defense procurement should be guided by strategic priorities and fiscal discipline, adding that spending related to domestic production and industrial support should be incorporated into regular annual budgets to ensure legislative oversight.

Notably, 68% of Kuomintang (KMT) supporters expressed satisfaction with his performance, while approval among Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) supporters exceeded 93%.

A brief meeting between the KMT’s Ko Chih-en and the TPP’s Ko Wen-je is drawing attention amid ongoing speculation over a possible KMT–TPP alignment in Kaohsiung, where the race between Ko and the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) will likely narrow despite Lai currently enjoying a large lead in many polls.