Han, the mayor of the south’s biggest city of Kaohsiung, had been expected to build his support base over the past year since winning office on a promise to help citizens “make a big fortune” by forging better economic ties with China. Instead, as he prepares for the election on Saturday against incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen and her independence-minded Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), he has seen his fortunes wane, hammered by criticism over controversial public remarks and failing to deliver on campaign promises, including oil exploration in the South China Sea.
Last month, a coalition of groups called “Wecare Kaohsiung” held a mass anti-Han rally that drew tens of thousands, some holding signs with the words “Dismiss pro-Communist mayor”.
Last month, a coalition of groups called “Wecare Kaohsiung” held a mass anti-Han rally that drew tens of thousands, some holding signs with the words “Dismiss pro-Communist mayor”.
