People First Party must cultivate local talent, not just rely on two leaders, says ex-secretary-general

As Taiwan's local elections approach, former People First Party Secretary-General Hsieh Li-kung is calling for a strategic shift within the party. He argues that the party must cultivate local officials and shed its image as an "urban party" by deepening its roots in southern Taiwan.

“

The People First Party cannot rely only on 'two suns'.

Hsieh points to the party's current leadership structure, characterized by a "dual-core system" of Ko Wen-je and Huang Kuo-chang, and notes that their extensive travel for campaigning is insufficient to cover all areas. He suggests that current Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu should also be involved in campaigning to share the workload. The party's nomination process for candidates was slow, and it may not have an advantage in local races, but Hsieh believes focusing on multi-seat constituencies like Taichung could be beneficial.

“

The People First Party should actively cultivate former party officials.

He also urges the party to confront the impact of members leaving and to actively encourage former officials and legislators to return. This, he believes, is crucial for rebuilding party cohesion and retaining the gains made in the 2022 elections. Hsieh suggests that leaders could learn from strategies used by other parties, such as leveraging official duties for campaign purposes, to increase their visibility and support in key regions.

“

The party needs to focus on multi-seat constituencies like Taichung and actively campaign there.