TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Discontent is growing within the Taiwan People’s Party over the possibility that at-large Legislator Chen Chao-tzu (陳昭姿) could remain in office beyond the party’s two-year term limit rule.
TPP Legislator Lin Kuo-cheng (林國成) voiced opposition Wednesday, saying allowing Chen to stay would be unfair to others who have followed party rules, per Liberty Times. He likened the situation to “letting someone who failed stay while those who passed are forced out.”
Lin noted that lawmakers Mai Yu-cheng (麥玉珍) and Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) had done extensive groundwork to advance their signature legislation. He urged the party to consider public perception when deciding whether to retain Chen.
Mai also expressed concern Tuesday, warning that making exceptions could undermine the party’s principles, per ETtoday. She said the TPP has long emphasized rules over individuals and argued that a party’s longevity depends on its ability to cultivate new talent and consistently carry out its agendas.
Chen responded by clarifying that her deal with former TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) centered on advancing legislation to legalize surrogacy, not on the two-year term limit, per Newtalk. She added that with about three weeks remaining before the party begins rotating out incumbent at-large lawmakers, she still has time to complete her policy goals and step down alongside other incumbents.
TPP member Hsu Sheng-lin (徐勝凌) said the controversy reflects broader concerns within the party about fairness, per China Times. While expressing respect for Chen and her policy agenda, he said she should still leave office after two years to allow the next lawmaker in line to continue promoting those policies.
Formosa Chair Wu Tzu-chia (吳子嘉) suggested Chen’s close ties with pro-independence figures in the DPP could factor into the situation, per NOWNews. He speculated that Ko may want Chen to remain in office to facilitate future cooperation with the DPP.
