Former Taipei Mayor Released in Graft Probe, Denies Wrongdoing
Ko Wen-je, ex-Taipei mayor and TPP leader, released after arrest in property development graft probe. Ko denies allegations, faces separate campaign fund misreporting issue impacting his political future.
Ko Wen-je, former Taipei mayor and leader of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), has been released from custody following his arrest in connection with a graft investigation. The court cited insufficient evidence as the reason for his release.
The probe centers on approvals granted for a significant property development project during Ko's tenure as mayor from 2014 to 2022. Ko, who finished third in Taiwan's presidential election eight months ago, maintains his innocence in the matter.
"I don't understand the aim"
This statement came after Ko's release, as he addressed reporters and supporters, reiterating his claim of innocence and questioning the purpose of the prosecutors' raid on his residence and TPP offices.
In a separate issue, Ko and the TPP have acknowledged misreporting campaign funds during the recent presidential race. This admission led to Ko temporarily stepping down from his position as party chairman and issuing an apology to TPP supporters.
These developments have significantly impacted public support for Ko and the TPP, as indicated by recent opinion polls. The party, founded by Ko in 2019, currently holds eight seats in Taiwan's 113-member Legislative Yuan.
Despite its small representation, the TPP plays a crucial role in Taiwan's political landscape. Neither the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) nor the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) holds a majority in parliament. This position has allowed the TPP to influence recent legislative reforms, including a controversial measure to increase parliamentary oversight powers.
The TPP's involvement in these reforms, which were opposed by President Lai Ching-te's DPP, led to mass protests. The constitutional court is currently reviewing these changes.
As Taiwan looks ahead to its next presidential election in 2028, the impact of these events on Ko's political future remains uncertain. The TPP's role as a centrist force in Taiwan's political spectrum continues to evolve, reflecting the complex dynamics of the island's democratic system.
