TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) appointed former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) as its new secretary-general Wednesday (Aug. 20), signaling a leadership restructure ahead of critical electoral challenges. Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤), the DPP's legislative caucus secretary-general, announced the high-profile appointment during a party press conference. Wu praised Hsu's extensive governmental experience spanning both central and local administrative levels, emphasizing his senior standing within the party hierarchy.
The party's parliament legislative caucus convened a morning press conference to formalize the leadership announcement. Wu conveyed strong confidence in Hsu's capabilities and expressed optimistic expectations for his performance overseeing party operations and strategic coordination. The caucus secretary-general specifically emphasized Hsu's proven track record in facilitating crucial policy communication between Taiwan's government, legislature, party apparatus, and parliamentary caucus.
Wu underscored Hsu's critical responsibilities in orchestrating election strategy as secretary-general, particularly for the pivotal 2026 electoral contests. His demonstrated expertise will prove essential in developing comprehensive party campaign strategies and maintaining seamless coordination across Taiwan's multiple governance levels. The appointment positions Hsu at the center of the DPP's electoral planning apparatus during a crucial political period.
Lin Yu-chang (林右昌), the party's former secretary-general, resigned after the DPP's disappointing performance in the first wave of mass recall elections on July 26. Deputy secretary-general Ho Po-wen (何博文) has served in an interim capacity since Lin's departure, maintaining party operations during the transition period. DPP leadership had privately disclosed Hsu's forthcoming appointment to Central News Agency (中央社) reporters on Tuesday, indicating the decision was finalized before the public announcement.
