Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu became interim chairwoman of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party Feb. 29, promising to unify the party in its reform process and ensure the fair and transparent election of a new chairman.
Chen will serve as acting leader until a party election in May. She accepted the reins from outgoing Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, who resigned following her defeat in the Jan. 14 presidential election to take responsibility for the loss.
“The DPP exists to make Taiwan better, not to win elections,” Chen said. “Being in office is a means to that end, but we should not despair or become diffident about the core values the DPP has always upheld.”
At the handover ceremony following a Central Standing Committee meeting in Taipei, Chen thanked Tsai for her contributions to the party, lifting morale after it suffered grave setbacks in legislative and presidential elections in 2007 and 2008.
The momentum Tsai has created toward party reform will not slow under her temporary leadership, Chen said, adding that party members’ opinions on reform and policies are welcome, as a reference for the next party leader.
In stepping down from the position, Tsai said, “Not being able to lead the party back to power was my biggest regret after four years as chairwoman.
“But as a lifetime party member, I will continue to dedicate myself to Taiwan and help the party realize its goal of safeguarding the land and making it a better and more just place to live.” (THN)