President Lai Ching-te has publicly criticized DPP Legislator Chen Ting-fei amid rising Tainan primary tensions. The dispute happened during a party conference. As a result, it exposed internal conflicts within the Democratic Progressive Party ahead of key local elections.
Firstly, Lai challenged Chen’s claim that she is a victim in the nomination race. He said this portrayal harms the party’s image. Previously, Chen said she leads by more than 10 points in multiple polls. Furthermore, she suggested the party would be responsible if she lost the primary. Lai responded directly, stressing unity and accountability.
Moreover, tensions rose over a Facebook post by Chen. She urged the central government to avoid installing solar panels in reservoirs. She also warned about using chemicals to clean the panels. In response, Lai pressed Chen for clarification. Chen admitted the chemical claim was misinformation. However, she insisted local governments should have a say in related policies. Still, Lai stressed that party members must avoid spreading misinformation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed no chemicals were used to clean solar panels at Wushantou Reservoir. Additionally, industry representatives made similar statements, debunking the claim.
Tainan is a key DPP stronghold and Lai’s political base. Indeed, Lai was once the city’s mayor. Moreover, the city’s importance has grown as Kuomintang chair candidate Cheng Li-wun tries to challenge DPP control in southern Taiwan. Therefore, the party views the Tainan primary as crucial to maintaining dominance.
On the other hand, DPP Legislator Lai Hui-yuan, an ally of Chen’s rival Lin Chun-hsien, said Lin has prepared for the mayoral primary for over a year. She noted Lin’s work on major local issues has steadily increased his support. Consequently, this has narrowed Chen’s initial large lead.
Political commentator Huang Wei-han said Lin’s chances of overtaking Chen remain slim with three months left. However, Huang warned that if Lin’s supporters do not unite after the primary, the DPP could weaken. This, in turn, might help KMT candidate Hsieh Lung-chieh and make the race more competitive.
Furthermore, Huang highlighted the importance of the 2026 local elections. Losing any of the five municipalities the DPP controls could pressure Lai to step down as party chair. It could also hurt the party’s chances in the 2028 general election. In conclusion, as Tainan primary tensions continue, the DPP faces growing pressure to heal divisions and keep stability in this key battleground.
