A partial Cabinet reshuffle was announced Dec. 5 by incoming Premier Mao Chi-kuo in a move to ensure political stability and seamless transition in government operations.
“The adjustments were made to better respond to people’s expectations,” Mao said. “The top priority is to fast track implementation of key policies to advance the well-being of the people and direct the country toward a stable growth track.
“The new lineup will address pressing issues in a pragmatic approach with accuracy and efficiency,” Mao said, adding that the government will continue communicating with the public respectfully and humbly.
Mao was named premier Dec. 3 by President Ma Ying-jeou after the Cabinet, led by Jiang Yi-huah, resigned en masse two days prior in the wake of the ruling Kuomintang’s defeat in the Nov. 29 local government elections.
According to the Cabinet, Minister of Science and Technology Chang San-cheng will fill in the spot left by Mao, while his deputy Lin Yi-bing will be the acting minister. Minister of Economic Affairs Duh Tyzz-jiun and Minister without Portfolio Deng Chen-chung will swatch positions.
Wang Chung-yi will succeed Wang Ginn-wang as the Minister of Coast Guard Administration. Yeh Shin-cheng, vice minister of the Environmental Protection Administration was named Minister without Portfolio.
Deputy Culture Minister Hung Meng-chi will temporarily serve as the minister after Lung Ying-tai resigned Dec. 1 for personal reasons.
All other senior members will remain in office, including Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y.L. Lin, Minister of Health and Welfare Chiang Been-huang and Minister of National Development Council Kuan Chung-ming.
According to sources familiar with the issue, the new Cabinet will be sworn in Dec. 8.
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw