TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Vice-President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) called on President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to step down as DPP chair on Thursday, citing decreasing public support in recent polls.

Talking to the CTI news network, Lu said that time is running out for Lai to reverse sinking support. She said stepping down as chair of the DPP would be an effective way to increase support for his administration as a president for all Taiwanese, reported UDN. 

Lai’s approval rating has suffered in part due to the failed mass recall effort, which Lai supported. On Thursday, Lu added that public dissatisfaction with disaster recovery efforts in southern Taiwan has also been damaging. 

There have been calls for a Cabinet reshuffle and potential replacements for Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) are being discussed. Lu marks the first prominent voice calling for Lai himself to step away from leadership within the party. 

Lu served as vice-president in the administration of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) from 2002 to 2008. During her remarks, she criticized officials that only focus on winning elections at the expense of pragmatic and responsible governance.