TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Chair Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced new party personnel orders Wednesday (Dec. 3), replacing two spokespersons with Legislator Lee Kun-cheng (李坤城). DPP spokespersons Cho Kuan-ting (卓冠廷) and Tai Wei-shan (戴瑋姍) resigned from their positions. Lai emphasized the importance of compliance with the DPP's nomination rules for local office aspirants.
Lai urged party workers aspiring for local office next year to resign by Tuesday (Dec. 24) to comply with nomination rules. The directive targets DPP members planning to run in local elections scheduled for next year, requiring them to step down from current positions. Lai stressed adherence to the Democratic Progressive Party's internal regulations for candidate selection and nomination processes.
Lee, a former New Taipei City, Taiwan's most populous municipality, councilor and party spokesperson, joins Justin Wu (吳崢) and Han Ying (韓瑩). The three spokespersons will support Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) in advancing party affairs, communications, and public outreach efforts. Lee brings experience from his previous roles in local government and party leadership positions.
Lai referenced the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics' (DGBAS, 主計總處), Taiwan's official statistics agency, recent economic forecast. DGBAS upgraded Taiwan's 2025 GDP growth rate to 7.37%, the highest among the Four Asian Tigers. The Four Asian Tigers comprise highly developed East Asian economies including Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
Lai said the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, approved tax relief measures last Thursday anticipated to benefit nearly 7 million households. The measures will ease income tax burdens for Taiwanese families starting next year across multiple income brackets. Taiwan has approximately 9 million households, meaning the relief affects roughly 78% of all families nationwide.
Lai urged party officials to promote the government's tax relief measures to increase public awareness of Taiwan's economic achievements and progress. Lai emphasized the administration's commitment to strengthening Taiwan and sharing economic success with its citizens through concrete fiscal policies. Participants disclosed Lai reiterated the significance of publicizing economic growth and tax reduction efforts to voters ahead of elections.
Lai noted international praise for Taiwan's economic performance, citing recognition from global financial institutions and economic analysts. The president highlighted Taiwan's economic resilience amid global economic challenges and regional uncertainties in Asia. Lai stressed the government's role in translating economic growth into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. ◼