New Kaohsiung mayor promises industrial transformation

Newly elected Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan officially took office at a swearing-in and changeover ceremony today, CNA reports.

Chen, a former vice premier who won a mayoral by-election in the southern city on August 15, took over from acting Kaohsiung mayor Yang Ming-chou in accordance with the Local Government Act, which requires the winner to assume office within 10 days of the election.

Chen vowed to work hard during the two years he is set to serve.

He also laid out the policy priorities of his administration over the next two years, including promoting industrial transformation, boosting employment, improving transportation infrastructure and reducing air pollution.

Noting that humility is not just a slogan, Chen said his administrative team will face problems squarely and never forget the power entrusted to them by Kaohsiung voters.

Chen won the by-election by a landslide, with 70.03 percent of the total votes cast, defeating Li Mei-jhen of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party candidate Wu Yi-jheng, who finished with 25.90 percent and 4.06 percent, respectively.

Chen will serve out the reminder of the term of his predecessor Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang, which ends in December 2022. The post was vacated when Han was removed in a recall vote in June.