Taiwan’s opposition KMT has an opportunity, but who will take charge?

After Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang survived two mass recall votes, the party’s supporters are hoping it can make more gains in next year’s local polls – and even potentially regain power in 2028.

But the party is not celebrating. Instead it is consumed by anxiety over who will succeed Eric Chu Li-luan when he steps down as chairman in October, a role seen by some as a poisoned chalice.

It is a volatile time in Taiwanese politics. The proportion of voters with a favourable view of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party has sunk to 33.1 per cent – down 10.5 percentage points since February, according to a poll released by online news outlet My Formosa on Thursday.

By contrast, the KMT’s favourability rating rose to 36.3 per cent while the smaller opposition Taiwan People’s Party was at 34.2 per cent.

The poll also found discontent with the DPP had shot up to 56.8 per cent – the highest recorded for any major party.

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s personal ratings have also slipped. Public trust in Lai fell from 45 per cent in June to 36 per cent this month, while distrust hit 55 per cent. Satisfaction with his administration has dropped to a new low of 31 per cent, with dissatisfaction soaring above 60 per cent.