In the news conference, Chen pledged to lead the party to victory in the legislative elections on Jan. 12, 2008, and also to support the DPP presidential ticket of Frank Hsieh and Su Tseng-chang in winning the presidency in March 2008. Resuming the chairmanship was not about expanding his personal power, but rather his sense of responsibility, Chen claimed in his address.
Chen appointed Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Cho Jung-tai as the party's secretary-general, and described Cho as a reliable staff member for him and Hsieh both.
Regarding campaign operations, Chen stressed that he will leave the formulation of strategy up to Hsieh. He said that he has assigned Cho to consult with Hsieh, Su and former DPP chairman Yu Shyi-kun to prepare for the upcoming electoral campaign. He added that he hoped DPP legislators could assist in administrative tasks within the party.
The DPP has asked Chen to take over since Yu insisted on stepping down from the position. Yu resigned after he was indicted of corruption and forgery for abuse of special allowance funds Sept. 21.
The party held a meeting Oct. 5 and resolved to make a formal request to Chen to become chairman. Hsieh did not attend the meeting, but he released an announcement the same day saying he would support Chen leading the party again.
Chen served as DPP chairman in July 2002, but resigned in December 2004 to take responsibility for the party's failure to win a majority in the Legislative Yuan.
Write to Amber Wu at amber0207@mail.gio.gov.tw