TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuomintang (KMT) officially announced on Wednesday (May 17) that New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) will be its presidential candidate, while Foxconn founder Terry Gou (郭台銘) is considered the likely vice presidential candidate.
During a regularly scheduled meeting of the KMT's central committee, KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) announced Hou was selected to serve as the party's presidential candidate for the 2024 election. Chu said the KMT used "the most scientific data and the common opinions of county mayors and legislators to recruit Hou Yu-ih to run for the president of the Republic of China in 2024."
A little over an hour before the announcement, Gou expressed his congratulations to Hou on his Facebook page and said he would do his most to help Hou achieve victory in the coming election. As a consolation to agreeing to Hou's selection as the KMT's prime candidate, Gou has been reportedly offered a spot on the ticket as the vice presidential candidate, but he has yet to officially accept.
Hou then delivered a brief speech in which he thanked party members for their support and expressed his gratitude to Gou, who he says he admires for his spirit of seeking to unite everyone to work hard for the country and the people after making great contributions to the economy. "Let us unite and advance hand in hand for the Republic of China and for the land of Taiwan to win the election together," urged Hou.
He went on to say that Taiwan is now facing a very dangerous situation with international wars, domestic conflicts and confrontations, and the young people cannot see a future for themselves. "We must make a big break and let the political parties alternate again!" said Hou as he called for a change between the KMT and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Hou emphasized that he wants to be able to save the country and Taiwan, and show his determination to fight to the end, and "If one wants to run for office, one must win the election! If one wants to run for office, one must unite the country! If one wants to run for office, one must bring hope to the people!"
The KMT candidate declared that "protecting the people of the Republic of China and the people who love Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu is the only belief that I will never change in my life." He said Taiwanese are thrifty, conscientious, and honest people, and they all strive for a better future for this land, their families, and their descendants.
"The Republic of China is our country, and Taiwan is our home. Only by self-reliance and self-improvement can we create a common future," argued Hou. He said that in difficult years, the most important thing is to gather centripetal force to move forward.
"I am Hou yu-ih! The presidential candidate of the Chinese Kuomintang! In order to win, we must unite regardless of our differences to win the election!" concluded Hou.
