TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) has been appointed secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Party.

President and DPP Chair Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Hsu is well known to the public, having served as a city councilor and legislator, per CNA. Lai praised his understanding of local politics and communication skills, calling him “a well-rounded secretary-general.”

Lai said he is confident Hsu will strengthen the party’s grassroots work and cooperate closely with local DPP officials to maximize the party’s strength. He urged central office members to work with Hsu to uphold the party’s spirit and values, safeguard democracy and freedom, and build a more progressive and united society.

Former Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) resigned after the July 26 recall election failed to remove any Kuomintang politicians from office. Deputy Secretary-General Ho Po-wen (何博文) had served as acting secretary-general until Hsu’s appointment.