TPP unveils 2026 local election platform; joint KMT agenda pending

Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) on Sunday unveiled its policy platform for the 2026 local elections on Nov. 28, while Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) said a joint agenda with the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has been largely drafted and is awaiting the KMT's ratification.

Speaking at a press conference, Huang said the party's 80-page policy white paper is more substantive and practical than typical reports submitted by central ministries to the Legislature.

The TPP's platform centers on four core goals -- "stabilizing society, supporting families, safeguarding health and safety, and strengthening industry."

It also comprises nine thematic points covering housing justice, people-oriented transportation, family support, age-friendly communities, education, physical and mental health, low-carbon development, industrial upgrading, and social inclusion.

Huang noted that recent amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures will give local governments adequate funding through a more transparent fiscal system.

The TPP intends to monitor spending closely to ensure public funds are used effectively, he said, adding that mayors and county heads will no longer need political connections to secure budgets for infrastructure projects.

Asked about a joint policy platform with the KMT, Huang said the parties' think tanks recently held intensive consultations and largely completed a preliminary draft.

The KMT still needs to carry out internal candidate nomination procedures, which the TPP respects, he added.

Several TPP candidates also outlined local priorities.

Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷), the smaller opposition party's candidate for Chiayi mayor, said his platform includes building a light rail system and urging full central funding for an elevated railway project.

It also covers National Health Insurance premiums for seniors aged 65 and above, and providing free lunches for elementary and junior high school students, he added.

In addition, TPP Yilan chapter head Chen Wan-hui (陳琬惠), running for Yilan County magistrate, said economic development, transportation and healthcare are the county's most pressing needs.

She proposed a model similar to Taipei's Nangang Software Park to create jobs in creative, research, and software industries, allowing local residents to work closer to home and attracting talent from across Taiwan.