TAIPEI (TVBS News) — TPP Acting Chairman and Legislator Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) announced on Tuesday (Jan. 14) his candidacy for the party's chairmanship by-election, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan's third political force as a vital spark that must not be extinguished.
The party scheduled the by-election for Feb. 15, with candidate registration beginning today. Huang has been the top choice within the party, often mentioned by former Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) as his preferred successor. Although Huang did not directly confirm his candidacy during a morning press conference, he later announced his decision on Facebook, stating, "This is a belief shared by Chairman Ko and me, and we remain unwavering in this conviction."
Huang recounted a late-night discussion with Ko, who focused solely on the party's future without mentioning his own legal issues. Ko repeatedly reminded, "The TPP started as a one-man party but cannot continue as one." Huang urged party members to shoulder this responsibility together.
Huang outlined three priorities for the remainder of the chairmanship term: continuing Ko's spirit of openness and inclusivity, identifying new leaders through the 2026 local elections, and upholding the grassroots democratic spirit. Additionally, he emphasized the need to build on Ko's legacy by uniting more Taiwanese people through rational, pragmatic, and scientific approaches.
