⚖️ Politics and Local Election Focus

• Nine-in-One Taipei and New Taipei Election Battles: As the year-end general election approaches, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and challenger Shen Po-yang have clashed again in the media over policy and drug-related issues. Meanwhile, the latest New Taipei mayoral poll shows DPP's Su Chiao-hui leading KMT's Li Ssu-chuan with 43.1%. • Double Ninth Festival Allowance and Elderly Welfare: Ahead of the Double Ninth Festival, four cities and counties including Taoyuan, Miaoli, Yilan, and Chiayi will begin distributing elderly allowances starting today, with centenarians in specific townships potentially receiving up to NT$70,000. Additionally, the functions of elderly cards in multiple counties and cities have been expanded to cover registration fees at farmers' association pharmacies and clinics. • Fiscal Distribution Law Controversy and Local Finances: Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai urged the central government to review the "Fiscal Distribution Law" during a legislative interpellation, pointing out a cumulative NT$13.6 billion shortfall in central subsidies for Kaohsiung MRT construction this year and next, which could affect project progress.