TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan criticized Terry Gou for "lacking integrity" after the business tycoon's statement on Monday (Aug. 28) announcing his formal bid to partake in Taiwan's 2024 presidential elections.
Chang, a main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party member, remarked that Gou's move could fracture the opposition's unity.
Gou had announced that he would run as an independent because of dwindling approval rates of the blue and white parties, widespread disappointment, and anxiety among the public due to a lack of party consolidation.
Chang disapproved of Gou's decision to run independently before realizing previous promises, deeming it a testament to his lack of integrity.
Further complicating matters, KMT's presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, and Taiwan People's Party candidate, Ko Wen-je, had stated their willingness to meet and discuss things face-to-face, but Gou's bid could mean the end of such efforts.