TPP lawmaker accused of using position for private gain steps down

Taipei, Feb. 24 (CNA) Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator-at-large Wu Chun-cheng (吳春城), who has been accused of conflicts of interest related to his support for a "strong generation" of people above the age of 55, has announced his resignation from the post.

Wu, known for initiating the "Act for Promotion of Strong Generation Policies and Industrial Development" to address aging through industrial development, made the announcement during a legislative session on Tuesday.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has alleged that Wu pushed the Act, passed by the Legislature on Jan. 24, 2025, to support the consolidation of his campaign to support elderly health and related businesses.

It has contended that Wu failed to avoid conflicts of interest in his position as a lawmaker to help businesses affiliated with his wife, siblings, children and in-laws win government tenders worth NT$1.1 billion (US$33.55 million), charges that Wu has denied.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has opened an investigation into the case.

According to Wu, he tendered his resignation from his position as a TPP legislator to the party 10 days ago and submitted a letter of resignation.

The TPP said in a statement that it respected Wu's decision and supported it.

Liu Shu-pin (劉書彬), a professor in Soochow University's Department of Political Science, is expected to fill the opening left by Wu, according to the TPP.