Ex-Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung named DPP secretary-general

Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) Taiwan's former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) was appointed secretary-general of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday.

"If the party needs me, I shall return [to frontline party work]," Hsu, who has hosted a political talk show since stepping down as interior minister in December 2022, said at the DPP headquarters in Taipei.

Hsu, 67, did not dwell on recent DPP setbacks but said his priority after taking up the post will be to familiarize himself with party affairs.

He is expected to officially take office on Aug. 25 -- two days after recall votes aimed at removing seven directly elected lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and a national referendum on nuclear power are held.

As preparations for the 2026 local government elections loom, Hsu told reporters he will not favor or discriminate against members affiliated with different factions.

"I believe I can get along well with all of them," he said, adding he will lead the party in giving full support to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Hsu's appointment was announced by Lai, who concurrently chairs the DPP, during a party Central Standing Committee meeting earlier the same day.

Lai described Hsu as "a well-rounded choice" for the role, citing his extensive political career and noting that he not only understands local political dynamics but is also adept at policy communication.

"I believe [Hsu] will be able to further strengthen the DPP's presence at the local level in the future and work closely with rank-and-file members in local chapters to maximize the party's work," he added.

Hsu will take the post left by Lin Yu-chang (林右昌), who resigned from the position on July 27 following the party's failed effort to recall 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers at the end of July.

Former Taipei city councilor Ho Po-wen (何博文) has been the party's acting secretary-general since Lin's departure.

Hsu previously served as a Cabinet spokesperson and then interior minister when Lai was premier under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

Prior to being recruited to the Cabinet in 2016, the lawyer-turned politician was a lawmaker from 2005-2008 and again briefly in 2016.