A 14-million-NT publicity contract for Taichung's food festival went to a broadcaster chaired by the mayor's sister, and the city's defense of the deal is drawing ridicule.

• Taichung awarded the contract to CTV, whose chairwoman Lu Hsiu-fang is the sister of Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen.
• The city's economic development chief said no recusal was needed because Lu Hsiu-fang is not *his* sister — only his own relatives would trigger the rule.
• Lawyer Lin Chih-chun mocked that logic: by the same reasoning, ministries could hand contracts to the president's siblings as long as the minister isn't related.
• Online reaction has been harsh, with many saying the same move by the ruling party would have triggered outrage and prosecution.

Outlook: Expect pressure on Taichung to explain the procurement decision, with the recusal argument likely to keep fueling political attacks.