TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) confronts a leadership vacuum as Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) announced he would not seek reelection in the party's Oct. 18 leadership contest. Chu encouraged Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) to succeed him as party chair, but Lu declined, citing overwhelming mayoral responsibilities. The rejection leaves the KMT searching for viable candidates to lead Taiwan's oldest political party.
Several potential candidates emerge as both Chu and Lu remove themselves from consideration for the KMT leadership position. Former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) represents one prominent option, while party strategists advocate for former Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強) based on his extensive diplomatic background and political experience. Chiayi Mayor Huang Min-hui (黃敏惠) also commands attention as a viable contender, drawing on her previous tenure as an active KMT chairman.
The KMT will formally accept leadership applications during a five-day window from Sept. 1-5, though party insiders continue intensive efforts to persuade Lu to reconsider her decision. Former KMT Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung (李乾龍) plans to mobilize nationwide support to convince Lu to enter the race. KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) has publicly expressed his strong backing for Lu's potential candidacy despite her initial refusal. ◼