Following the Great Recall defeat, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus leadership is facing mounting pressure and uncertainty. The defeat dealt a significant blow to the party’s image and sparked widespread calls for changes within its ranks. Despite these demands, caucus leader Ker Chien-ming has firmly stated that he will not resign and intends to remain in his leadership position.
This decision comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal criticism and calls for greater accountability. Meanwhile, two key figures in the caucus—Legislative Caucus Director Wu Szu-yao and Secretary-General Chen Pei-yu—have announced their resignations. Both cited the necessity for the party to reflect deeply on public opinion and expressed hope for a fresh start. Their departure signals a willingness within the caucus to allow new leadership to emerge and address the challenges ahead.
Despite their resignations, Ker expressed sincere gratitude for Wu and Chen’s dedication and leadership during a difficult period. Interestingly, he also revealed that he plans to retain both as advisors, a decision that has raised questions about how much real change the caucus leadership will undergo. This move suggests a more cautious approach to restructuring rather than a complete overhaul.
Wu took to social media to share her perspective, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully to the electorate’s voice. She called for the caucus to reorganize itself, broaden its participation base, and strengthen its internal mechanisms. Wu further stressed that lawmakers within the DPP must serve as “guardians of parliamentary democracy,” underscoring their duty to uphold democratic principles and public trust. Her comments highlight the need for deeper reforms to rebuild confidence in the party.
This turbulence within the caucus leadership occurs amid a wider wave of resignations throughout the administration and the DPP itself. In response to the public backlash, the president indicated that a Cabinet reshuffle is imminent but confirmed that the current premier will remain in office. This suggests that while some adjustments are on the horizon, the leadership is opting for stability in key government roles.
Overall, the situation underscores the significant challenges confronting the DPP caucus leadership. While some officials have stepped down to allow for renewal, others like Ker remain resolute. The coming weeks will be critical for the party as it seeks to navigate the fallout from the Great Recall defeat and regain the public’s trust. The DPP caucus leadership must act decisively and transparently to demonstrate its commitment to reform and democratic values.
