Calls for Chu to Resign Increase After Losses 藍公投.補選失利 傳基層要求朱立倫負責

Kuomintang Chairperson Eric Chu has been blamed for recent referendum and election results that did not go the KMT's way. There are reports that grassroots members are demanding his resignation. 

In the span of one month, the Kuomintang suffered three defeats. Four referendums failed to pass, the KMT candidate lost in the by-election for Taichung's second electoral district, and the recall of Legislator Freddy Lim was not successful. Many members have placed the blame on KMT Chairperson Eric Chu and are demanding that he resign to take responsibility. On Jan. 12, Chu said it's right for him to be reprimanded for the losses, and he will take full responsibility.

Eric Chu, Kuomintang Chairperson: “I need to take responsibility for the losses suffered by the party. All the blame should be placed on me. It's of course right for me to be reprimanded for the losses. I welcome Chairperson Jaw Shaw-kong, Mayor Han Kuo-yu, Mayor Hou Yu-ih, and Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to join in the decision-making process. I will get everyone's opinion.”

Chu was asked if the party needs to adjust its line in order to appeal to moderate voters. Chu set three main directions. He said the party's line will always be to uphold the Republic of China, to love Taiwan, and to win the support of young people. Meanwhile, Broadcasting Corporation of China Chairperson Jaw Shaw-kong has proposed an expansion of the decision-making circle ahead of the year-end elections. He also said the Central Standing Committee should propose convening a party affairs meeting and invite the party's 14 magistrates and mayors, party chiefs, and elite leaders to conduct a review for radical transformation. Chu pledged to expand the decision-making circle.

Chen Yu-jen, Legislator (KMT): “I support everyone discussing the party line behind closed doors. However, I don't support the calls for the chair to resign. I think right now is a critical moment and there needs to be stability.”

Chu said the opinions of all members will be welcome when it comes to nominations and important policies. He is hoping to draw on the collective strength and gather support. KMT legislators said stability is what is important, and the party will discuss its plans for the year-end elections behind closed doors.

國民黨在一個月內，歷經四大公投、中二立委補選與罷昶三連敗，引起黨內檢討聲量，有不少人將矛頭指向黨主席朱立倫，要求他下台負責，朱立倫12日親上火線回應，選輸被罵是應該的，會將所有責難一肩扛起。

朱立倫說:「黨的失敗，我必須要一肩承擔，所有的責難都應該向我來，選輸了，當然被罵是應該的，我都絕對歡迎」他同時也表示，包括趙少康、韓國瑜、侯友宜、盧秀燕等等，大家來共同決策，也會徵詢大家的意見。

對於黨內路線是否要調整，向中間選民靠攏？朱立倫定調三大方向，黨的路線永遠是堅持中華民國、愛台灣、爭取年輕人的認同。迎戰年底的選舉，中廣董事長趙少康建議中央擴大決策圈，以及中常委將提案召開黨是會議，邀集藍營14位縣市首長、歷任黨主席、菁英領袖等，展開大破大立的檢討，朱立倫也做出承諾，絕對會擴大決策圈。

國民黨立委陳玉珍表示，她支持大家關起門來好好辯論黨內路線，大家可以討論，但她也表示不支持主席下台，「我覺得現在在多事之秋時，反而中央應該要穩住」。

朱立倫強調，不論是黨的提名、重要政策，都開放全黨提出意見，匯集成力量，獲得大部分人的支持，藍委指出，眼下最重要的就是穩定軍心，關起門來好好討論，打好年底選戰。