Huang Kuo-chang's TPP faces 'major overhaul' as polls show dramatic favorability reversal

Taiwan's Taiwan People's Party (TPP) has experienced a dramatic decline in public favorability, particularly among young and highly educated demographics, since Huang Kuo-chang assumed leadership as chairman. A poll from June 2023, when the party was at its peak, showed a 15.2% support rate and significantly more positive than negative sentiment among those aged 20-29 and with higher education.

However, a more recent poll from June 2026 reveals a stark reversal. TPP support has fallen to 7.0%, and crucially, negative sentiment now doubles positive sentiment among the 20-29 age group and those with higher education. This shift is particularly pronounced in New Taipei City, which now shows the highest negative sentiment nationwide.

Former legislator Lin Chu-shui highlighted this "complete reversal" in public perception, sarcastically noting the party's "super major overhaul." He pointed out that the TPP's positive image had previously appealed to centrist voters, but the new leadership seems to have alienated them. Lin expressed hope for the party's recovery for the sake of healthy political discourse.

The data suggests a significant challenge for the TPP as it navigates its new leadership, with a substantial portion of its previously favorable demographics now viewing the party negatively.