ROC Premier Wu Den-yih announced May 13 that Sean C. Chen, Cabinet-level Financial Supervisory Commission minister, will succeed Eric Li-luan Chu as vice premier.
“I have accepted Chu’s resignation and paid tribute to his outstanding contributions,” Wu said.
The move came following Chu’s announcement earlier in the day that he will contest the Nov. 27 New Taipei City mayoral election for the Kuomintang.
According to the premier, Chu’s achievements span various fields, including coordinating efforts to combat the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and assisting in drawing up the government’s post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction plan.
“Given his experience, talent and wisdom, there is no denying that Chu will make an excellent KMT candidate in the upcoming election,” Wu said. “I look forward to seeing him win the contest and wish him every success.”
In response, Chu said he would try his best to deliver New Taipei City for the KMT. “I hope to return to future Cabinet meetings as New Taipei City mayor.”
Outgoing FSC Minister Chen, 61, previously served as Ministry of Finance deputy minister, MOF Legal Affairs Committee executive secretary, and chairman of Taiwan Stock Exchange Corp., KGI Securities Co. Ltd. and SinoPac Holding Co. Ltd.
Chen Yuh-chang, First Financial Holding Co. Ltd. chairman, has been tapped to replace Chen as FSC minister. Both men will take up their new posts May 17. (JSM)
Write to Chiayi Ho at chiayi@mail.gio.gov.tw