TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative President You Si-kun, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), announced his confidence in attaining re-election during his address on Thursday (Jan. 25).
His re-affirmation comes ahead of the legislative president vote, set to take place on Feb. 1, when the new legislators assume office.
Current seats held by the Kuomintang (KMT), the DPP, and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) did not make up a majority.
Reports hint of a split vote by the TPP, with support for You from the DPP as legislature President and endorsement of Johnny Chiang from the KMT for Vice President.
You stated having a good rapport with Ko Wen-je and Huang Kuo-chang, Chairman and member of the TPP, respectively, expressing his optimism for their backing.
However, on proposals for significant legislative reforms by the TPP's new legislators, You advised that many of these proposals need constitutional amendments. He further clarified such initiatives should be put forth by political parties, not by legislative yuan presidential candidates.
Addressing constitutional changes, You stressed the global absence of a five-branch government system, recommending adherence to the conventional separation of powers – executive, legislative, and judicial.
In his view, Taiwan must not just correct problem spots but should review and reform the entire constitutional system.
Meanwhile, TPP spokesperson Christina Yang said the party would hold an internal meeting on Friday (Jan. 26) to discuss the matter further.
Decision-making within the TPP relies on collective consensus, and thus the vote will be conducted as a team, she added.