Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is gearing up for its leadership election scheduled for October 18, 2025, with the new chair set to take office on November 1. Current chairperson, Eric Chu, may not seek re-election due to internal party dynamics.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is a top contender for the KMT chairpersonship, but as of August 2025, she has not confirmed her intention to run. Reports suggest that she may choose to complete her second mayoral term, which ends late next year, over entering the race.
If Lu Shiow-yen decides not to run, the KMT may face several challenges:
- The party could miss out on a prominent and potentially unifying candidate who could strengthen its leadership and electoral prospects. Lu is seen as a leading contender capable of rallying party members.
- The party might struggle with leadership uncertainty or intra-party tensions, especially as the new chair will steer the KMT through important political challenges such as managing relationships with allied parties and responding to opposition dynamics against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
- Without Lu’s participation, other candidates may fill the void, but they might not carry the same appeal or strategic advantage, potentially affecting the KMT’s ability to consolidate its position nationally.
Eric Chu led the KMT to victory in the 2022 elections and successfully streamlined the party's finances. However, in the final months, he has been leading the charge with over-the-top rhetoric, which has raised concerns about the party's hyperbolic and hyperpartisan tone.
Other potential candidates for the KMT chair include Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu, former vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, and former president Ma Ying-jeou.
Jason Hu, a former foreign minister and Taichung mayor, is also being considered, though he has been supporting Lu. However, he lacks the experience to run the party effectively.
If Lu does not run, Chu would be the only candidate with the skills and authority to lead the party effectively, but he would face constant challenges. On the other hand, Lu has the power and strength to rein in the party and potentially confront Fu Kun-chi, a party heavyweight whose agenda in the legislature appeals to the deep base but is a liability to the party's electability.
The KMT's 2028 presidential candidate will face a series of severe challenges, including tough financial reforms, raising money, dealing with ongoing investigations into local chapter leaders, staff, and volunteers over allegations of voter fraud, and jolting the party away from its hyperbolic, hyperpartisan tone towards something more moderate.
In this politically volatile environment, Lu Shiow-yen's decision whether to run for the KMT chair or risk the party falling apart without her leadership will be critical for the party's future.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-kmt-chair-eric-chu-faces-re-election-pressure-2021-12-15/ [2] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/02/10/2003778963 [3] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/08/24/2003780905
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