Ker Chien-ming continues to hold onto DPP caucus leadership despite growing pressure to resign. Many party members argue he should take responsibility for the failed recall campaign against KMT lawmakers. Critics said the effort failed because voters saw it as a political overreach.
DPP Legislator Wang Shi-chien criticized his role in the recall campaign, saying the results reflected public disapproval. Moreover, Wang predicted that Ker Chien-ming would eventually recognize the need to step down. He also cited former President Tsai Ing-wen, who resigned as party chair after poor local election results, suggesting the same principle could apply.
When asked whether President Lai Ching-te should also bear responsibility, Wang avoided a direct answer. He speculated Lai likely supported civil groups behind the recall campaign to prevent them from feeling isolated. Observers noted that this indirect involvement created political risks for both the president and party leadership.
Ker Chien-ming confirmed that Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an visited him after a DPP faction meeting reportedly aimed at pressuring him to resign. He denied any conflict with Lai and said Pan repeatedly apologized during their discussion. Analysts noted that this exchange indicated internal party tensions have not escalated into open confrontation.
Internal efforts to remove the caucus leader appear to have slowed in recent days. Political commentator Huang Wei-han observed that he now maintains more constructive interactions with TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang and KMT caucus convener Fu Kun-chi. This marks a clear shift from his previously combative approach, weakening arguments for forcing him out.
Some pro-DPP voices question the push to unseat him. Former presidential office director Chen Sung-shan suggested Lai should resign as party chair first to restore public trust. He also called for other key figures involved in the recall effort to step down, while urging the party to distance itself from United Microelectronics Corporation founder Robert Tsao.
Finally, Chen criticized the caucus leader for linking KMT lawmakers’ obstructionist behavior to China. However, he noted the DPP’s anti-China messaging intensified only after Lai delivered a unity speech. These developments highlight ongoing internal debates over accountability, strategy, and the party’s approach to public opinion.
