TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) have emerged as leading candidates to replace Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), following the Democratic Progressive Party’s poor performance in the July 26 recall elections and ongoing US tariff negotiations.

While no decision has been finalized, momentum is reportedly shifting away from Cho, whose Cabinet has been weakened by the recall losses, per UP Media. On Thursday, Cho acknowledged that a Cabinet reshuffle may be imminent, per CNA.

Before Cho’s appointment in January, both Cheng and Lin were considered top contenders for the premiership. Cho was ultimately selected by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), partly due to his early support during the DPP’s contentious 2019 presidential primary.

Now, Cheng’s prominent role in US tariff talks has boosted her profile within the party. If she can succeed in lowering tariffs to around 15% while minimizing concessions, her chances of becoming premier will increase significantly, according to senior party members.

A DPP insider told local media that Cheng, unlike Lin, lacks a strong factional base—making her a less politically risky choice for Lai. The insider noted that Cheng also supported Lai in 2019 and has remained relatively unscathed by the recall fallout due to her lower-profile role under Cho.

Former DPP legislator Kuo Cheng-liang (郭正亮) also named Cheng as a top contender but added Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an (潘孟安) to the list, per Storm Media. Pan, who previously led LNG contract negotiations with the US, was seen as a frontrunner before the recall results damaged Cho’s government.

Political commentator Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚) likewise identified Cheng as the most likely successor, while also listing Pan and Lin as viable options, according to Storm Media. He said Pan’s close ties to Lai and strong policy credentials make him a serious candidate, though his reserved demeanor may not suit the high-pressure role of premier.

As for Lin, Huang said his strong factional ties could complicate internal party dynamics. While Lin is unlikely to campaign for the post, he would likely accept it if offered. Huang added that Cheng’s prospects hinge largely on the outcome of the tariff negotiations.

Separately, UDN reported that Cai Xin Media Chair Hsieh Chin-ho (謝金河) floated former Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin (沈榮津) as another potential successor to Cho.