People First Party Faces Member Exits, Ko Wen-je: Like Skin Metabolism, In and Out

(Central News Agency reporter Chiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, June 14) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Yunlin County branch held a party member and volunteer forum today. Founding chair Ko Wen-je and party chair Huang Kuo-chang attended to hear grassroots opinions. When questioned about recent reports of members leaving the party, Ko used the analogy of skin metabolism—'in and out'—stating that party membership continues to grow and the TPP is still expanding.

The Yunlin County branch hosted a forum titled 'Unity Builds Strength, Deepen Roots in Yunlin,' drawing over 100 supporters. TPP legislator Tsai Chun-tsou and Yunlin County councilor Chen Yi-chen also attended.

Ko explained that Wang Chun-yi, formerly his assistant, had expressed interest in running for the Yunlin County Council's first electoral district under the TPP banner. With张家闳 (Chang Chia-hung) also nominated for the fourth district and incumbent councilor Chen Yi-chen seeking re-election, Ko said this visit aimed to understand local campaign dynamics.

On the recent wave of reported resignations, Ko compared party turnover to the skin's natural 28-day metabolic cycle. He stated that a party with no one entering or leaving would be a 'fossilized party,' emphasizing that 'inflow and outflow, metabolism' are signs of a healthy, growing organization. He affirmed that overall party membership continues to rise.

Regarding claims—allegedly from a staffer of former legislator Huang Shan-shan—posted on Threads criticizing the legislative reform bill amendments and procedures, Huang Kuo-chang responded that negotiations between the TPP and the KMT during law reforms are standard practice. He questioned the point being made, saying, 'I don’t quite understand what she’s trying to say.'

Following the release of Huang Kuo-chang’s new book, online criticism emerged. Huang stated he respects freedom of speech. The book highlights major civic movements in Taiwan over the past decade and criticizes the DPP for failing to deliver on promises such as the 'Assembly and Parade Act,' 'Anti-Media Monopoly Special Law,' and 'Cross-Strait Agreement Oversight Act.' In contrast, he noted that the new legislature has achieved these reforms through opposition-party cooperation.

Huang acknowledged past turbulence within the Yunlin County branch and condemned former members who made damaging public statements about the party, stating such actions 'will not be tolerated.'

Regarding year-end elections, Huang emphasized that the party’s candidate nomination process 'will not stop' and stressed the responsibility to deliver for supporters who voted for the TPP in 2024, saying they 'must not betray their trust.' (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150614

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