Update Aug. 20, 2025, 16:02 p.m.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has appointed former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) as the new secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Party, per CNA.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) could be appointed as the Democratic Progressive Party secretary-general following the Aug. 23 recall elections.

Hsu, who previously served as Cabinet spokesperson under then-Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德), is expected to step down from his current role at FTV to take over the position, per UP Media. The secretary-general role became vacant after Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) resigned in the wake of the DPP’s poor performance in the July 26 recall elections.

A longtime political ally of both President Lai and current Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Hsu is considered to have factional ties to former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). His legal background and media experience were key factors in his earlier appointment as Cabinet spokesperson.

Chen Chu (陳菊), then secretary-general of the Presidential Office, once praised Hsu, Lai, and Cho for their effective collaboration despite their differing factional affiliations. The official announcement of Hsu’s new role is expected to come directly from Lai after the Aug. 23 vote.

A DPP insider told UDN that Hsu’s appointment suggests Lai is attempting to share power with other factions within the party. Another insider told Liberty Times that Hsu’s role could allow Lai to take a more hands-off approach to party management.

Asked about the reports, DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢) declined to comment on speculation, reiterating that the appointment of a new secretary-general is solely within the chair’s authority, per Newtalk.

However, multiple sources confirmed to Newtalk that Hsu will indeed take up the role.