柯文哲，前台北市長及現任台灣民眾黨主席，以其非典型的政治風格和醫學背景在台灣政壇崛起。他的政治發跡史和成就，尤其是在藍綠政黨（國民黨和民進黨）對峙的台灣政壇中，顯得格外引人注目。以無黨籍身分參選並兩次當選台北市長，以不拘泥於傳統的作風贏得許多民眾的支持，並且在2024年的總統大選中斬獲369萬票的亮眼成績，成為台灣政壇的重要人物。

他的崛起可以追溯到其醫學界的成功。作為台大醫院的知名醫師，柯文哲專精於重症醫學，並因多次成功執行器官移植手術而受到讚譽。優秀的醫學背景和科學家的思維模式讓他在政壇中顯得與眾不同，吸引許多希望看到政治改革的年輕人及中間選民支持。

2014年，柯文哲決定參選台北市長，這一舉動震動藍綠兩大政黨。柯文哲以無黨籍的身份參選，但在當時獲得民進黨的退讓與背書，並以「素人」政治家的形象出現。主張突破傳統政治框架，提出「公開透明」、「開放政府」等理念，這些主張在政治氣氛相對保守的台灣顯得新穎而有吸引力。最終，柯文哲成功打敗國民黨候選人連勝文，贏得當年的台北市長選舉。

在2018年的市長選舉中，柯文哲再次面對藍綠夾殺的挑戰，這一次民進黨推出自家候選人姚文智，而國民黨則推舉丁守中。儘管面臨更大的競爭壓力，柯文哲依然憑藉其在第一屆市長任期中的政績，尤其是在交通基礎建設及智慧城市方面的成就，成功連任。他的勝利顯示台灣選民對於非典型政治人物的認可，也展現出柯文哲能夠在傳統藍綠對立之外取得支持的能力。當時開票時間過久，民進黨的支持者發現姚文智即將落選，紛紛把票轉投給柯文哲，造成選情大逆轉的情況，在當時也引發巨大爭議。

2024年，柯文哲轉向國家層面的選舉，參與總統大選。雖然最終未能當選，但仍獲得369萬票，成為選舉中的第三大勢力。這一結果表明，柯文哲不僅在台北擁有支持基礎，他的影響力已經擴展到全國範圍。民眾黨在這次選舉中也取得關鍵的8席立委席次，這使得該黨在國會中擁有影響力，尤其是在朝野勢力膠著的情況下，民眾黨的立委席次成為重要的「關鍵少數」，有可能在政策制定和議題辯論中發揮舉足輕重的作用。在立法院長的選舉，國民黨的韓國瑜在柯文哲支持下順利當選立法院長。

然而，柯文哲的政治生涯並非全然順風順水。2024年，因捲入京華城的弊案面臨潛在的法律責任，可能被判10年以上的刑期。這起案件涉及他在台北市長任期內的決策，並引發廣泛的關注和討論。這不僅影響柯文哲的政治聲譽，也使他創立的民眾黨面臨考驗。

柯文哲的優點在於他具有獨立於傳統政黨的政治路線，並以科學家般的理性思維處理政治問題。推動的透明化、公開化及智慧城市政策也帶來實質性的進步，特別是在台北市的基礎設施和數位化建設上頗有成效。此外，他的直言不諱風格和對政治腐敗的抨擊吸引大批年輕選民，這讓他成為台灣政壇中的一股新改革力量。

然而，柯文哲也有不少缺點。政治作風時常引發爭議，尤其是他有時候言詞過於直接，容易得罪他人，這使得他在政治圈內並不總是受歡迎。領導風格也被批評缺乏長期的規劃和協調能力，尤其是在處理大型公共工程和政治聯盟時顯得欠缺經驗。再加上他面臨的法律訴訟，這些因素都為未來政治路上蒙上陰影。

總體來說，他在台灣政壇中扮演一個獨特的角色。成功打破藍綠對立的傳統格局，為台灣選民提供一個新的選擇。然而，政治前途在未來仍充滿不確定性，特別是在京華城弊案的調查結果出爐後，他的聲譽和影響力可能會受到更大衝擊。無論如何，柯文哲作為台灣政壇中的改革者，已經留下深刻的印記。

Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei and current chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), rose to prominence in Taiwan's political scene through his unconventional political style and medical background. His political ascent and achievements, especially in the context of Taiwan's polarized political landscape dominated by the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), are particularly notable. Running as an independent, Ko won the Taipei mayoral election twice, securing widespread support for his non-traditional approach. In the 2024 presidential election, Ko garnered an impressive 3.69 million votes, establishing himself as a significant figure in Taiwanese politics.

Ko’s rise to political prominence can be traced back to his success in the medical field. As a renowned doctor at National Taiwan University Hospital, Ko specialized in critical care medicine and gained acclaim for his numerous successful organ transplant surgeries. His strong medical background and scientific approach to problem-solving distinguished him in the political arena, attracting the support of younger voters and centrists seeking political reform.

In 2014, Ko decided to run for mayor of Taipei, a move that shocked Taiwan's two major political parties. Running as an independent, Ko received the DPP's backing after they chose not to field their own candidate. Presenting himself as a "political outsider," Ko promoted ideals such as "transparency" and "open government," which resonated with many voters in Taiwan’s relatively conservative political climate. Ultimately, Ko successfully defeated KMT candidate Sean Lien, winning the Taipei mayoral election that year.

In the 2018 mayoral election, Ko faced the challenge of being squeezed by both the KMT and DPP, with the DPP fielding their own candidate, Yao Wen-chih, and the KMT nominating Ting Shou-chung. Despite the increased competition, Ko leveraged his accomplishments during his first term, particularly in the areas of transportation infrastructure and smart city initiatives, to win re-election. His victory demonstrated Taiwanese voters' recognition of non-traditional politicians and showed Ko's ability to draw support beyond the entrenched partisan divide. The lengthy vote count during that election sparked significant controversy when it became evident that many DPP voters, seeing Yao's impending defeat, switched their votes to Ko at the last minute, leading to a dramatic reversal of the election outcome.

In 2024, Ko shifted his focus to the national stage and entered the presidential race. Although he did not win, Ko still secured 3.69 million votes, making him the third-largest political force in the election. This result showed that Ko’s support base extended beyond Taipei and had become a nationwide phenomenon. The TPP also achieved a key victory by securing eight legislative seats, giving the party influence in the legislature, particularly as the balance of power between the ruling and opposition blocs remained tightly contested. The TPP’s legislative seats made them an important "swing vote" in the policymaking process. In the election for president of the Legislative Yuan, Ko’s backing helped KMT candidate Han Kuo-yu win the position.

However, Ko’s political career has not been without challenges. In 2024, he faced potential legal consequences after being implicated in a corruption scandal involving the Jinghua City development project. Ko is at risk of a prison sentence of over 10 years. The case, which involved decisions made during his tenure as Taipei mayor, has attracted widespread attention and debate. This controversy not only impacts Ko's political reputation but also places the future of the TPP in jeopardy.

Ko's strengths lie in his independent political path and his scientific approach to political issues. His push for transparency, openness, and smart city policies led to tangible improvements, particularly in Taipei’s infrastructure and digital development. Additionally, his outspoken style and strong stance against political corruption have attracted many young voters, positioning him as a reformist force in Taiwanese politics.

However, Ko also has notable weaknesses. His political style often sparks controversy, with his blunt remarks sometimes offending others, making him less popular within political circles. His leadership has been criticized for lacking long-term planning and coordination, especially when dealing with large-scale public projects and political alliances. The legal battles he faces further cast a shadow over his political future.

Overall, Ko plays a unique role in Taiwanese politics. He successfully broke the traditional blue-green divide and offered voters a new option. However, his political future remains uncertain, particularly as the Jinghua City corruption scandal unfolds and its results become clear. Nevertheless, Ko has left a significant mark as a reformer in Taiwan's political landscape.

照片:DALLE3