Vice President Lai Ching-teh decided to participate in the by-election of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman yesterday.

(file photo)

[Reporter Chen Yun/Taipei Report] President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party after losing the nine-in-one election. The DPP will open registration for the by-election from the 12th to the 16th, and vote on January 15th next year.

Vice President Lai Ching-teh called Tsai Ing-wen yesterday to report his decision to run for party chairman under the pressure of many parties. President Tsai not only expressed her blessings, but also reiterated that she will not lead the party affairs, but as long as it is good for the DPP, she will assist.

Call to report President Tsai's blessing

It is understood that the Lai camp was deadlocked on whether Lai Qingde would personally recruit the party leader. Opposition opinions believed that the 2024 election would involve regional legislators and non-regional legislators. At the same time, some people also suggested that the backup head of state and the party chairman may cause constitutional controversy; however, as the situation within the party continues to change and opinions continue to flow in, Lai Qingde must respond to the expectations of the party and expand the consultation of opinions from all parties.

Please read on...

Lai Qingde, who was diagnosed the day before yesterday, called President Tsai yesterday morning. In addition to thanking him for his concern, he also reported to the President that he would run for the chairmanship of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Lai Qingde also confirmed through Facebook later that he decided to participate in the by-election of the party chairman, and he will choose to register next week.

Response party expects registration next week

Lai Qingde said that regarding the by-election of the chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, the opinions conveyed by various parties recently include encouragement and reservations. He has received them, cherishes them, values ​​them, and is grateful. , after further consultation with and support from the advanced democratic leaders and comrades in the party, he has reported to the President that he decided to participate in the by-election of the party chairman.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Zhang Dunhan also confirmed that the two talked on the phone. The president expressed his blessings on the phone and told Lai that since she is no longer the party chairman, she will not take the lead in party affairs, but as long as it is good for the DPP, she will Assistance, the DPP is the ruling party, and the ruling team must be united and work harder to respond to the expectations of the people. This is the most important task.