Tsai offers to resign as party chief

2 hours ago

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has offered to resign as the head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, following the party's rout in Saturday's local elections.

The island-wide elections included races to choose 22 mayors and governors. The pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party currently holds 13 of those positions. The contests were widely seen as rehearsals for the 2020 presidential election.

Tsai has been struggling with low approval ratings, due partly to opposition to her pension reforms. Her administration is also facing pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

In Kaohsiung, and in other key cities, the ruling party's candidates have admitted defeat. Kaohsiung has been a stronghold of Tsai's party over the past 20 years.

Speaking to reporters at the party's headquarters on Saturday night, Tsai announced that she is resigning as the party's chairwoman to take responsibility for the election results.

She said her party's efforts were not enough. She also apologized to the supporters who fought for the party.

Tsai is expected to remain as the president of Taiwan. However, her participation in the 2020 presidential election has been cast into doubt.