Chiang Wan-an Proposes No-Confidence Motion; Who Will Succeed Cho Jung-tai? Kuo Cheng-liang Names 'Him': Chen Chi-mai May Not Be the Top Choice

The controversy over Chung Lien Oils exceeding legal limits for the carcinogen benzopyrene has intensified, prompting Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to recently propose a no-confidence motion. He suggested Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai as a capable successor to Premier Cho Jung-tai, sparking political debate.

Former legislator Kuo Cheng-liang, on a political talk show today (29), assessed that if Premier Cho Jung-tai steps down, President Lai Qingde’s top choice may not be Chen Chi-mai, but Presidential Secretary Pan Men-an.

When asked on the CTi program 'The Greens Are Flipping the Table' whether Chen Chi-mai would not become the next Premier, Kuo replied, 'I don’t know, but Lai Qingde’s first choice probably isn’t him.' When the host mentioned Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun, Kuo responded, 'No, it’s Pan Men-an.'

Kuo emphasized that Premier appointments involve not only administrative competence but also internal power dynamics within the DPP. Recalling that Lai Qingde became Premier in 2017 and then challenged then-President Tsai Ing-wen in the 2019 party primary, Kuo suggested that the President may prefer a Premier who lacks the political ambition to challenge his leadership.

Regarding Chiang Wan-an’s call for a no-confidence motion, Kuo analyzed that re-electing legislators now might not benefit the DPP. Thus, a politically advantageous move could be for Cho Jung-tai to step down and be replaced by another Premier. He believes both Pan Men-an and Cheng Li-chun are possible candidates, but Pan may better align with Lai’s personnel strategy.

According to the Additional Articles of the Constitution, if the Legislative Yuan passes a vote of no confidence in the Premier, the Premier must resign within 10 days and may simultaneously request the President to dissolve the legislature. Kuo argued that such a re-election would disadvantage the DPP, making it more reasonable to replace Cho with Pan as Premier.

Kuo added, 'Lai might push for re-election by reigniting the “resist China, protect Taiwan” narrative to win local elections. Or, if a no-confidence motion passes and all legislators resign, Taiwan could face 60 days without a legislature. What might happen in those 60 days? Who knows—maybe they’ll use those 60 days to declare martial law?'

On Cheng Li-chun’s potential appointment, Kuo stated he believes her willingness is low, citing her focus on family and current responsibilities in U.S.-Taiwan trade negotiations. He said, 'She has never been someone fully committed to pursuing political power.'

As for Chen Chi-mai, Kuo stressed he’s not entirely out of the running, but Lai may consider intra-party factional balance and political pressure from fluctuating approval ratings. He noted that if voices within the party demand a reassessment of leadership legitimacy, it could influence Lai’s decision on the Premier appointment.