TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) returned to Taiwan early Monday (Jan. 19) following the successful conclusion of Taiwan-U.S. tariff negotiations, sparking immediate speculation about a potential Taipei mayoral bid. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) personally welcomed Cheng and her team at the airport, expressing satisfaction with the negotiation outcome. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) commended Cheng at the Office of the President, emphasizing the agreement's potential to propel Taiwan forward.
Calls are rising within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, for Cheng to run for Taipei mayor against incumbent Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安). DPP lawmaker Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) endorsed the idea, highlighting Cheng's cabinet experience as an asset for the Taipei election. "It would be a very compelling choice if Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun were to enter the Taipei race with her experience and background," Wu said.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇), from Taiwan's main opposition party, argued Cheng should remain on the executive team to maximize her effectiveness. Wang stated Cheng's role would be better suited to serving as the next premier rather than contesting the mayoral election. DPP insiders view Cheng as a suitable candidate to challenge Mayor Chiang, contingent on President Lai's ability to persuade her to run.
KMT Taipei City Councilor Chang Szu-kang (張斯綱) suggested Cheng's mayoral candidacy would allow President Lai to manage Taipei with his own team. "In this eventuality, it would mean that Lai Ching-te's own people would run Taipei," Chang remarked. The comment reflects opposition concerns about the ruling party's potential expansion into Taiwan's capital city.