Taiwan’s former premier William Lai refuses to abandon challenge to President Tsai Ing-wen
- Independence supporter insists the Democratic Progressive Party must be allowed to chose its nominee
- Challenger promises Tsai ‘full support’ if she wins nomination for the 2020 presidential contest
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s reelection bid suffered a fresh blow on Tuesday when former premier William Lai Ching-te refused to abandon his challenge.
Lai, an outspoken supporter of independence, rejected her plea for cooperation and insisted the ruling Democratic Progressive Party must choose its candidate for next year’s presidential elections in a primary.
“If President Tsai wins the primary, I will give her my full support,” Lai said. “[If I were to win,] I would hope she would support me.”
Lai blindsided Tsai and her administration and shocked the party faithful earlier this year by announcing he would challenge his former boss for the nomination, ensuring the island’s tense relationship with the mainland will be a central focus of the campaign.
The former mayor of the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan had stepped down in January, weeks after a humiliating local election defeat for Tsai’s DPP.
His defiant remarks contrasted with the more conciliatory tone set by Tsai, who said at a separate media conference on Tuesday that she would be willing to team up with Lai, if it would boost the party’s chances of holding on to power. Numerous opinion polls show Tsai is struggling to retain support, while Lai’s standing is rising.