Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) yesterday voiced support for Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) as his potential successor, following the party’s latest success in surviving a mass recall campaign.
“I sincerely urge Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to run for the position of the next KMT chairperson and take on the weighty responsibilities of leading the party” to its return to power, Chu said.
Chu made the remarks after all seven KMT lawmakers facing recalls yesterday survived their votes, a victory that followed the failed July 26 attempt to unseat 24 of its lawmakers.
Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times
Chu praised Lu for her “calm, pragmatic and warm leadership,” saying it made her the kind of strength the KMT and Taiwan need at this moment.
The KMT, Taiwan’s main opposition party, is set to elect a new chairperson on Oct. 18, with candidate registration opening early next month.
Lu, who will reach her two-term limit as Taichung mayor in December next year, is widely seen as a leading contender for the KMT leadership and a likely 2028 presidential candidate, although she has remained cautious about confirming either bid.
The KMT holds 52 of the 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan, and together with the Taiwan People’s Party’s eight seats, commands a majority.
The recall efforts were initiated by civil groups and supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
“This is the moment for me to pass the baton,” Chu said, adding that he has confidence in Lu’s ability to guide the party to victory in next year’s local elections and the 2028 legislative and presidential races.
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