Taiwan People's Party
A clear guide to Taiwan People's Party (TPP) in Taiwan: its history, populism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Taiwan
- Founded
- 2019
- Position
- Centre to centre-left
- Leader
- Huang Kuo-chang
- Headquarters
- Taipei
The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is Taiwan's third-largest party. It was founded in 2019 by Ko Wen-je, then mayor of Taipei, as an alternative to the two established camps. It holds eight seats in the Legislative Yuan, where it has generally voted with the KMT against the DPP government.
The party describes its approach as pragmatic and evidence-based rather than ideological, and it draws much of its support from younger, urban voters frustrated with the two main parties. Huang Kuo-chang has chaired it since 2025.
History
Ko Wen-je, a surgeon who won the Taipei mayoralty as an independent in 2014, founded the TPP in August 2019. The party entered the legislature in 2020 and grew quickly. Ko ran for president in 2024 and came third with about 26 percent of the vote, an unusually strong result for a third party.
Later in 2024 Ko was arrested and charged in a corruption case relating to his time as mayor and to campaign finances, which he denies. He stepped down as chair, and Huang Kuo-chang, a former leader of the New Power Party and of the 2014 Sunflower student movement, was elected to replace him in early 2025.
Economic Policy
The TPP has not built its identity around a fixed economic ideology. It emphasises fiscal responsibility, efficient government, housing affordability, and pension and labour reforms aimed at younger workers.
Foreign Policy
On cross-strait relations it positions itself between the two main parties, calling for both deterrence and dialogue with Beijing and avoiding commitments to either unification or formal independence.
Where They Stand
- Presents itself as a third force between the DPP and the KMT
- Calls for both deterrence and dialogue in relations with China
- Focuses on housing costs, pensions and opportunities for young people
- Emphasises transparency and efficient government
- Has generally voted with the KMT in the legislature since 2024
Electoral Record
In the 2024 general election the TPP won eight legislative seats, enough to hold the balance between the DPP and the KMT. Its presidential candidate, Ko Wen-je, won 26.5 percent of the vote.
Position on the Political Compass
Taiwan People's Party sits on the centrist side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Ko Wen-je
Founder and chair, 2019 to 2025
A former surgeon and mayor of Taipei who founded the party and came third in the 2024 presidential election.
Huang Kuo-chang
Party chair since 2025
A legal scholar and former Sunflower movement leader who took over after Ko stepped down.
Sources and Further Reading
- Taiwan People's Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Taiwan political test to see how your views compare with Taiwan People's Party and the other parties.
Take the Taiwan Test
Social Policy
On social issues the party is broadly moderate to liberal and focuses on governance, transparency and generational fairness rather than culture-war questions.