Category：Politics

Puma Shen madness spreads as other cities claim him for mayor

The O’Shen wave is taking over Taiwan. Singer and Golden Melody Award winner, Hsieh Ming-yu was performing on stage in Tainan when he suddenly called out, “Our mayor…” and didn’t expect to hear “Puma Shen,” shouted back from the audience. This urged the singer to respond and say, “We are in Tainan, so it’s Chen Ting-fei.” It seems Shen’s popularity has surpassed the borders of Taipei, spreading across all DPP campaigns. Some locals even printed out and distributed banners with Shen’s designs, drawing long queues.

Golden Melody Award winner, Hsieh Ming-yu was performing on stage when he suddenly blurted out something.

- Our mayor
- Puma Shen
- It’s Chen Ting-fei, this is Tainan.

Puma Shen is running for Taipei Mayor, but it seems that wherever you go, the phrase that comes after the chant, “Our mayor…,” is always followed by “Puma Shen!”

Hsieh Ming-yu
Golden Melody Award winner
I just wanted to test it out, to see if the O’Shen movement really is spreading, when I said, “Our mayor…” I was certain that I would say “Chen Ting-fei,” but I didn’t think that the audience below would in unison say, “Puma Shen.”

At first, the singer simply wanted to test out the power of the O’Shen wave, he didn’t realize that locals would join in and urge him to clarify. In fact, this clip has gone viral and even caught the attention of Chen Ting-fei herself, who replied saying, “This is Tainan,” with a question mark.

Chen Ting-fei
Tainan Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
While the O’Shen wave battles it out at sea, I, Chen Ting-fei, am fei-lying into the sky to battle it out up in the air. Land and sea unite.

Not only are the slogans catchy, but the O’Shen ribbons have become popular merch in Taiwan. Some stores in Tainan even printed their own and announced them online, they didn’t expect dozens of people to be eager to line up.

- I’ll tie this on my backpack, I’ve wanted this for so long!

- Vote for Shen to save Chiang.

- We will choose Chen Ting-fei, but I want to support Puma Shen

Taipei’s mayoral candidates have driven locals in the South into frenzy, as other candidates ride the bandwagon for popularity.

Hung Wei-chu
Head of marketing agency
I didn’t think today would be like this, we didn’t print enough. Those who came to pick them up can follow us on Instagram to support us.

The DPP caucus says the O’Shen Wave is lifting the support ratings for DPP candidates islandwide by 6%. The party says it’s hopeful for a turnaround in close races such as Keelung and Taichung. Meanwhile, races in Taitung, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu are heating up. With just a month left to elections, some officials discouraged Shen from travelling across Taiwan and instead urge candidates from other counties and cities to come to Taipei creating a unique crossover.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#沈伯洋 #OshenWave #洋流 #OshenWave #PumaShen #Tainan

2026-10-20

Poll puts Puma Shen in lead for Taipei 17 points ahead of Chiang

DPP Candidate Puma Shen has overtaken his KMT opponent by a mindboggling 17 percentage points the latest poll by the Taipei Trust in Democracy Association. The poll puts support rating for Shen at 50.3%, in contrast with 33.3% for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. In comparison with the previous poll by the association, Shen’s support shot up by 9.8 points, while Chiang’s crumbled by 8.4 points. Let’s hear more.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The poll may say one thing, but victory depends on the ballots, on how everyone actually votes on Nov. 28. There’s still 39 days to go until Election Day, so public opinion may still rise and fall. We take very seriously whether our policies resonate with the public. That’s the most important thing for us.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I would like to call on all Taipei citizens who’ve seen all we’ve achieved over the past four years, to show their support for our administration by coming out to vote on Nov. 28.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP Caucus
Everything that Puma has achieved to this day is really impressive already, and we have very high expectations for him. His approach of engaging with citizens through dialogue will only win more and more people over with time.

Tai Li-an
Designed poll
The polls show an extremely strong response. One of the factors is the O’Shen wave that’s sweeping over Taipei, with huge support from pan-green voters.

Analysts say the skyrocketing popularity of Shen in recent weeks may have encouraged more responders to express their support for the DPP candidate. On the other hand, some others who perhaps supported Chiang preferred to keep quiet. Based on the current figures the Taipei Trust in Democracy Association estimates that Shen will walk away with 49.2% to 52.9% of the vote on Election Day, while Chiang could get between 46.9% and 49.9% of vote. With an overlap of just 0.7 percentage points, the margin between the two could be as wide as 6 percentage points.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#poll #taipei #election #pumashen #chiangwanan #oshenwave

2026-10-20

Puma Shen proposes post-election events to hear out civil servants

Do you often complain about your job? Well, Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen wants to hear all about it. Over the past few weeks, the DPP politician has garnered large crowds at his soapbox pop-ups all over the city, engaging with locals and hearing their rants and qualms. Now, Shen plans to start a new season of the events if he gets elected, dedicated to teachers and civil servants. Titled “Mr. Mayor, I’m done!” the events would be a place for public employees to air their grievances. Supporters are loving the idea, and healthcare and social workers say they would love a chance to speak up too. Let’s hear more.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
You would be able to just show up, like the soapbox events, and tell me why you’re done with your job. Tell me what problems you face. We then make a compilation and resolve it in 100 days. That’s what’s called taking responsibility. In the original series, the “Mayor, Listen Up!” soapboxes, the goal was to hear all sorts of opinions. In the future, we can get people like nurses or social workers, people in professions with shortages and with really stressful jobs. That’s our main goal to start off with.

Huang Yi-chung
High school teacher
People currently employed have more credibility, because they experience the issues first-hand. There are many of us struggling in Taipei. Regardless of political affiliation, if you can solve the problems plaguing government employees and teachers, it would be an immense act of merit. The direction is good, but we need to figure out the details. Like for example, since these civil servants and teachers are still at their jobs, how can they feel safe to speak up openly about the difficulties they face?

The DPP candidate says the top priority is teachers and civil servants, as they face extreme pressure at work and their jobs affect children as well. Shen previously proposed five policies to tackle understaffing at government agencies. They include a review of workplace conditions, flexible working hours, bigger and more flexible bonuses, upgrades for employee assistance programs and introducing AI teams to reduce workloads.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#pumashen #taipei #work #policy #politics

2026-10-19

TPP and KMT pass bill to exempt more seniors from NHI premiums

With just weeks to the local elections, the KMT and TPP have passed a bill to exempt senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums. When it enters effect, people aged 65 and older whose income tax rate is below 20% will no longer have to pay NHI premiums. That will come at the cost of NT$40 billion a year for the government. The move immediately drew backlash from seven major medical and healthcare associations, and the health minister. Let’s hear more.

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
Elections last just a moment. But the National Health Insurance is something the people of Taiwan rely on. The system’s principle that everyone pays according to their financial means is no more. So what now? Are lawmakers going to add even more slipshod clauses to the NHI system?

Hung Tzu-jen
Taiwan College of Healthcare Executive
It is extremely regrettable, and even infuriating to a point. The government already has several policies to exempt seniors aged 65, low-income households and other groups. But this only benefits people who aren’t at a financial disadvantage.

Wu Ming-yen
NHCA
If no money is coming in, someone else has to pay for it. I urge young people to call up the legislators who voted for this bill, and tell them about your opposition to it. Your insurance premiums could increase in the future.

The Mini Ministry of Health and Welfare has voiced concerned about the financial impact of the bill. The KMT and TPP claim the bill excludes wealthier seniors, the income tax rate threshold of below 20% translates to anyone with annual income of up to NT$1.6 million. That is about 83% of senior citizens. If the additional costs is passed down, people aged 15 to 64 could face an extra NT$3,000 or more in annual expenses. If they are covered by tax revenue instead, each tax-paying household would have to shoulder an additional NT$8,000 or more per year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#premiums #health #costs #kmt #tpp

2026-10-16

Chiang and Shen buckle down in preparation for first debate

The much-awaited mayoral debate between Chiang Wan-an and Puma Shen will be held on the 31 of this month at noon. Eight media outlets including FTV News issued a joint statement inviting Puma Shen and Chiang Wan-an to participate in a second debate. Chiang had previously hinted at the possibility of a second debate, but he now states things are up in the air. Regarding the debate, Shen emphasized he is not adjusting his schedule while being mindful to peak more concisely.

Reporters noticed that Puma Shen had taped two bright strips of kinesiology tape to relieve soreness and fatigue from all this campaigning. He continues to diligently prepare for the highly-anticipated Taipei mayoral debate which will take place on the 31 of this month at noon. But are the candidates ready for the big day?

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Because sometimes when I speak, I speak for long, but during debates there will be gaps like, 2 minutes or 3 minutes. So I’m practicing to make my sentences shorter, otherwise in the end with fixed speaking times there might be no opportunity to finish speaking which I think is quite important.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I intend to go all out, and prepare well.

Both candidates are neck-deep in preparation for the televised debate. However, eight media outlets including FTV have also submitted letters of intent to both sides hoping for a second or even third debate.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
We will hold for more invitations from organizers and media before coordinating further. There are many ways to schedule, I think all of this will need to be coordinated. Whether or not there will be a second debate, I am open to it.

Rosalia Wu
Puma Shen Campaign Manager
Puma Shen signed this agreement immediately. Does that mean Mayor Chiang has already agreed, as Lo Chih-chiang said, he also signed? Does this mean that other media outlets are authorized to hold the debate? Every media outlet has equal rights.

Taipei local
Doubtful of Chiang Wan-an
Of course, the more debates a person participates in, the more they can showcase their competence. Chiang Wan-an gives the impression of being incompetent and ignorant, like a fool reading off a script. But after the debates, the truth will be clearer.

Taipei local
Supports more debates
Debates will allow us, the public, to have a better idea of the bigger picture. I think two debates are OK.

Taipei local
Prefers one debate
Let the public test how witty the candidates are. One time is enough, it will be brilliant.

Locals continue to eagerly wait for the 31 of October to watch the debate between Shen and Chiang.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#dpp #mayoraldebate #kmt #chiangwanan #pumashen

2026-10-16

Supporters flock to Shen’s final soapbox event at Linsen Park

One key part of Puma Shen’s campaigning for Taipei mayor has been his soapbox events, where he addresses questions and complaints from citizens. The final event took place took place on Thursday evening at Linsen Park. All 300 slips to submit questions were gone in just 15 minutes, showing just how eager locals were to reach Shen. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Concerned about nightlife
The nightlife in this part of the city always gets a bad rap. What can we do to preserve this unique culture?

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I think it all comes down to making some changes to the brightness of the lighting and the color schemes here.

Member of public
Doesn’t feel protected
As a woman in the 20-to-30 age bracket, I don’t feel protected in Taipei.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
One of our policy proposals is to require all policies to undergo a safety audit before they are implemented so that people feel safe.

Shen engaged with residents on a wide range of issues throughout the soapbox series, which kicked off outside Nangang Exhibition Center on Sept. 17. Subsequent events were held at Ximending, Taipei Arena and Jiantan Station among other locations. Six events were held over the course of a month, all drawing packed crowds and positive feedback, in what was seen as a new approach to election campaigning in Taiwan. At the grand finale, Shen pledged that, if he takes office, he will continue holding the soapbox sessions to ensure local issues receive the attention they deserve.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#pumashen #election #dpp #taipei #politics

2026-10-16

CCP label Kevin Tsai as ‘two-faced’ ahead of mayoral elections

TV host, Kevin Tsai recently made a discrete appearance at Puma Shen’s campaign event. The move earned him criticism from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, who said he was a two-faced person. Tsai promised to attend Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s ceremony at his campaign headquarters as well. Now that he received the invite, he posted a message on social media saying in advance that he would only watch and not go on stage. He also brought up Janet Chia’s Dior jacket controversy as a reason for him to dress in a simple black suit.

Kevin Tsai’s cameo at Puma Shen’s campaign headquarters ceremony made headlines, but to even the field, he agreed to attend Mayor Chiang’s event as well. In a recent post, however, he stated there were conditions to his attendance.

Tsai shared an article that mentioned that the attendees of Chiang Wan-an’s campaign headquarters inauguration would sing campaign songs together. Tsai, commented that as a guest, he would simply cheer everyone on from his seat. He added that, since he made no contributions, he wasn’t qualified to participate in the song and dance segment. He also referenced Janet Chia’s Dior jacket drama as a reason to wear a black suit, which prompted Chia to reply and say “No, you should wear the most sparkly one!”

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
We should respect everyone’s clothing and wearing. There were no requests or invitations for Kevin Tsai to come on stage. We would welcome him to participate and arrange for him to be in the VIP area.

Kang Jen-chun
Media personality
Election culture is that, if you stand on someone’s stage, it indicates support. Why would Kevin Tsai, with nothing better to do, deliberately say, “I will not go on stage to sing Taipei Encore?”

Tsai’s public remarks caused netizens to become investigators. Some joked that the black suit is meant for funerals. Some even became fashion translators, suggesting his clothes meant “please sit still and do not approach me.” Locals discussed this enthusiastically, but China’s Taiwan Affairs Office was furious, labeling Tsai as a two-faced person.

Chen Binhua (Oct. 14)
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office
Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, any force or any person cannot reap the benefits of the Mainland while colluding with pro-independence forces in Taiwan and acting two-faced.

Liang Wen-chieh
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council
All I can say is the CCP can’t let go of Puma Shen. Kevin Tsai is only a scapegoat, the CCP would obviously not want Taiwanese people to have the freedom of choice. They thought it would help Mayor Chiang, but I think it’s making matters worse. They need to be careful before they harm someone’s life.

With the mayoral elections looming, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office is also turning up the heat which may be doing more harm than good.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#ccp #chiangwanan #pumashen #kevintsai #dpp #janetchia

2026-10-15

Designer-clad Taipei 101 chair sparks debate over professionalism

Who would have thought that dressing well for a public appearance would garner backlash? Taipei 101’s Chairwoman, Janet Chia certainly didn’t. On Wednesday,
Chia paid a visit to the Legislative Yuan, but her attire is what stole the spotlight. She wore a black dress with a cream-colored Dior jacket draped over her shoulders, which prompted a legislator to ask her to dress more “simple” like everyone else. The tense exchange even resulted in President Lai Ching-te posting on Facebook in support of Chia, underscoring that professionalism isn’t judged by clothing.

Lai: Chairwoman Janet, Taipei 101 represents trends and fashion.
Chia: Yes.
Lai: I’d also like to advise you to next time, next time, please dress the same as us, simple.
Chia: I’m wearing the same as you all, same full-sleeves.

On Wednesday morning, a small standoff broke out at the Legislative Yuan as Taipei 101’s Chairwoman Janet Chia arrived for questioning. She was singled out by DPP Legislator Lai who felt her attire was not “simple” enough.

Lai: I think within the Legislative Yuan, there should be a standard
Chia: But, I really think that I am wearing the same as you all.
Lai: Are we continuing the discussion?
Chia: I am not discussing, I just think, that I am being very respectful of the Legislative Yuan.

Chia showed up in a black dress with a cream Dior jacket, and Chanel earrings and attempted to justify her attire but was interrupted again.

Chia: But I am definitely...
Lai: Alright, let’s have Yang Chiung-ying’s question.

Chia had barely finished a sentence when she was interrupted about her jacket, which she later wore to another event that afternoon.

Janet Chia
Chairwoman of Taipei 101
I don’t think I’ve been wronged, honestly speaking; I was just stunned because I really don’t know there was a dress code for going to the Legislative Yuan. I also asked a few other chairwomen if there was a dress code or I needed to buy clothes and they said there really wasn’t.

Chia displayed a calm demeanor but admitted that the exchange affected her mood. Ever active on social media, she personally broke down her outfit that evening. Besides her Dior jacket, she also wore a Cartier bracelet, Ferragamo shoes, and a Dior watch she’s had for 30 years. Her lighthearted and charming response catalyzed even more discussion online, with many flocking to Lai’s social media demanding an apology. Faced with public pressure, she posted a video that evening.

Lai Hui-yuan
Legislator (DPP)
I noticed when I reviewed the video later, that there were inappropriate aspects of it. The whole incident made her and the public uncomfortable. I feel deeply apologetic about this and will reflect on it.

Not only did this spark discussion online, President Lai Ching-te also took to social media to publicly support Janet Chia, posting a photo of him wearing a floral shirt to a meeting, emphasizing that professionalism and dedication in all walks of life should not solely be judged by clothing. The controversy continued the following day, with the topic of her attire still part of public discourse.

Lee Yang
Minister of Sports
I had bought a nice suit then, and I hoped that such a nice suit would be respectful to wear to the Legislative Yuan, I thought it looked good on me.

Huang Chieh
Legislator (DPP)
Actually, I think, Janet Chia represents fashion. She has her own way of expressing respect to the Legislative Yuan. I believe that everyone would appreciate that.

Chen Pei-yu
Legislator (DPP)
Lai Hui-yuan already publicly apologized, also posted and recorded a video, so I think this resolves it and concludes the matter here.

Chia clearly eased matters over by posting an AI-generated photo of herself and Legislator Lai dressed up and shopping, with the caption, “Dior should pay us an endorsement fee. Shopping sprees are justified and life is beautiful.” As the chairperson of Taipei 101, Chia also represents high-fashion and never misses an opportunity to show up and show out.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#janetchia #taipei101chairwoman #laichingte #highfashion #taipei101

2026-10-15

Date set for Kaohsiung mayoral debate: Friday Oct. 30 at 8pm

With just over a month to go until the local elections, the calendar is filling up with televised debates between the candidates. The first event will be a debate for the candidates for Kaohsiung’s mayoralty. It will be hosted by Formosa TV, CTi News, and PTS Taigi from 8 to 10 in the evening on Friday, Oct. 30. The organizers on Wednesday spoke with the participating parties to draw up a structure for the debate. Let’s hear more.

Ko Chih-en
Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate (KMT)
Both parties have agreed for a 90-minute debate at 8 in the evening on Oct. 30. There will be questions from the media, cross examination and personal statements. We will accept all sorts of questions, and we hope that it will be a good debate so that everyone can have a clear picture of where each candidate stands on municipal issues.

Lai Jui-lung
Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Through the debate, I hope that everyone can better understand how my experience in the city government as a lawmaker translates to concrete policies for the city. I will also welcome my rival to ask any questions they may have about the past few years, including past construction projects and the vision for the future. I hope she will explain her visions clearly as well.

The debate will be divided into four parts: policy presentations, questions from media, cross-examination, and closing remarks. Formosa TV and CTi News will appoint a senior professional media representative as the questioner, while the host will be a representative from PTS Taigi. The three media outlets and both sides have also agreed that a second coordination meeting will be held next Wednesday at noon to discuss matters further.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#debate #politics #kaohsiung #taiwan #democracy

2026-10-14

Busy Puma Shen arrives late to Songshan Airport hearing

Taipei’s Mayor, Chiang Wan-an, recently proposed shutting down Songshan Airport to build an AI park in the city. KMT legislator, Hsu Chiao-hsin, scheduled a special hearing at the Legislative Yuan today on the matter. She started off by criticizing Puma Shen for being absent, as he was on a radio program. Even though Shen rushed over immediately after the interview, Hsu made a sarcastic comment that being late is better than not being there at all. DPP legislator Wang Yi-chuan could not tolerate this any longer and had a verbal argument with Hsu on the spot.

KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin and DPP legislator Wang Yi-chuan got into a heated argument. Hsu, a member of the National Defense Committee, arranged a special hearing on the relocation of Songshan Airport, and had to extend the registration time for speaking for Puma Shen’s sake, who was attending Jaw Shau-kong’s radio program.

Hsu Chiao-hsin
Legislator (KMT)
I think we should extend the speech registration time to noon to prevent any legislators from losing an opportunity to express their concerns. That, I think would be a pity.

From the presentation of the case to speeches, Hsu was coming for Shen, and even left a comment under Jaw’s live broadcast telling Shen to come back to work after the interview. Shen’s interview finished at 10 and he arrived at the National Defense committee and registered to speak by 10:25. But Hsu still made a fuss about it.

- Better late than never.
- Its hilarious. That’s how the KMT is, making comments about something.

Puma Shen
Legislator (DPP)
I think Hsu Chiao-hsin is a very warm person, and even left a message saying the registration could be extended. Just now, when I wanted to ask a question at noon, she was taking a break so that we could have lunch. So, warm people can consider joining the O’Shen movement.

Shen spoke about the Songshan Airport proposal announced by the KMT’s Chiang Wan-an. Chiang’s party is now attacking Defense Minister Wellington Koo, who also proposed a relocation plan in 2014.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
When Minister Koo was running for Taipei Mayor, he suggested that once the Taoyuan Airport MRT was operational, then the future of Songshan Airport could be considered.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Proposing this 20 or 30 years ago and proposing things now is very different because the throughput is changing. Songshan Airport handles many domestic routes, including the special operations we just mentioned which are related to disaster prevention and medical evacuation.

Tung Tzu-hsien
Chairman of Pegatron
I’m not on board with the relocation of Songshan Airport. A major capital city should have its own small to medium-sized transportation hub.

The proposition of relocating Songshan Airport has become an extensive issue in the Taipei mayoral election.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#pumashen #songshanairport #chiangwanan #legislativeyuan #沈伯洋 #蔣萬安

2026-10-14