TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) caucus leader, faces mounting pressure to step down as the new legislative session began Monday (Sept. 1). Ker emphasized that his term will continue until February 1, 2026, despite internal challenges within Taiwan's main opposition party.
Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇), DPP secretary-general, recently convened a meeting with party factions to convey President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) desire for a caucus re-election. Hsu has not ruled out initiating a petition to demand re-election. Pan Men-an (潘孟安), Presidential Office secretary-general, met with Ker Aug. 27 to discuss the situation.
Rumors suggested that President Lai privately urged Ker to step down, but Ker refuted these claims on Facebook. Ker stated that Lai had not approached him and asserted that only Pan met with him Aug. 27. Ker criticized the rumors, calling them divisive for undermining party unity.
Ker announced Monday that he had already informed all caucus members about the registration process for the six leadership positions. The registration will last one week and culminate in a new leadership team through negotiation. Ker remarked that the reshuffle is more practical when asked about the potential changes. ◼