TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kuomintang National Policy Foundation Deputy Director Ling Tao (凌濤) on Tuesday reiterated that party Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) will step down, adding that Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) is the most suitable candidate to lead the party.

Ling argued that the KMT’s base favors Lu as chair and that her leadership could influence the outcome of both the 2026 local elections and the 2028 presidential election, per Tai Sounds. He suggested that if Lu can hold Taichung in 2026, it would strongly position the KMT for a return to the presidency.

According to NOWnews, party insiders said Lu has not indicated whether she intends to run for KMT chair. However, she has consistently emphasized the importance of fulfilling her duties as Taichung mayor. Insiders warned that stepping down early could damage her credibility.

Political commentator Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚) speculated that Lu may have already decided not to pursue the chairmanship, especially after the KMT’s strong performance in the July 26 recall elections, per Newtalk. He noted Lu’s focus on teamwork and her belief that the party has other capable leadership options.

KMT insiders said that Lu is expected to make her intentions clear by the evening of Aug. 23, once vote counting in the upcoming recall elections concludes. Some sources suggested that if the opposition retains all seats in the recall, their control over the Legislative Yuan would be further solidified.

Separately, some KMT insiders told UDN that while Lu is widely seen as the most suitable candidate, her reluctance to announce a bid has drawn criticism within the party. They said that although her supporters understand the responsibility she would shoulder as chair, her continued silence has raised doubts about her willingness to lead.