TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (國民黨, KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) reaffirmed his succession plans Wednesday (Aug. 27) during a pivotal party meeting, emphasizing the need for a steady leadership transition as his term nears its end. With only two months remaining in his chairmanship, Chu pledged that his entire team would maintain full efforts to ensure effective government oversight, vigorous anticorruption initiatives, and strategic public communication. The announcement comes as Taiwan's main opposition party prepares for crucial leadership changes ahead of future electoral battles.
The KMT central committee meeting saw Chu emphasize the critical importance of party unity following a successful recall vote on Aug. 23. The outgoing chairman stressed that maintaining cohesion remains essential for the party's ambitions to regain political power in the upcoming 2026 and 2028 elections. Chu advised the incoming leadership team to carefully align with mainstream public opinion while preserving the strategic alliance with the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), Taiwan's third-largest political party.
Chu called on all party stakeholders, including representatives, committee members, and future party leadership, to engage reputable individuals who can ensure both party unity and electoral success. Uncertainty continues to surround the KMT chairmanship election, with Taichung mayor Lu Shiow-yen, widely considered the party's most likely 2028 presidential candidate, announcing she would not join the campaign. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, regarded as a rising star within the KMT, disclosed his absence from this year's leadership election earlier this month.
Several KMT members have announced their intention to participate in the upcoming chairmanship election, creating a competitive field for party leadership. Current legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), who previously served as deputy secretary-general in the Office of the President (總統府), Taiwan's presidential office, has declared his candidacy. Former legislator Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) has also entered the race, adding to the growing list of contenders seeking to lead Taiwan's main opposition party. ◼
