TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng's (張善政) approval rating has surged to 53%, while disapproval has dropped to 12%, marking the highest satisfaction rate since he took office two years ago, according to the latest TVBS Poll Center survey. The results revealed that Chang's approval rating rose by 8 percentage points from 45% a year ago.
Among Taoyuan residents aged 50 to 59, 63% expressed satisfaction, the highest among all age groups, representing a 16-point increase from the previous year. However, 19% of residents aged 40 to 49 expressed dissatisfaction, a higher rate than other age groups. Chang has actively promoted the use of AI technology in urban development, but the prolonged debate over the SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel, 固體再生燃料) power plant in the Taoyuan's LongtanScience Park has sparked controversy.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Taoyuan City Councilor Ling Tao (凌濤) praised Chang's persistence in policy implementation, including his stance on the SRF power plant, his oversight of the Taoyuan MRT construction, and his efforts to secure funding for the Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts project. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Taoyuan City Councilor Huang Chiung-hui (黃瓊慧) noted that Chang's increased visibility and the positive news coverage by the city's press office may have contributed to the rise in his approval rating.
The Taoyuan City Government expressed gratitude for the public's support, stating that the recognition reflects approval of Chang's low-key, results-oriented approach. The government pledged to continue working towards creating a livable and happy city for its residents. The survey was conducted by the TVBS Poll Center from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26, with 1,016 Taoyuan residents aged 20 and above contacted, resulting in 919 valid responses. The margin of error is ±3.2 percentage points.
