News
Tsai starts second term, minor cabinet reshuffle
By ECCT and ICRT staff writers
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second four-year presidential term today together with Vice President Lai Ching-de. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 92 foreign dignitaries from 41 countries congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen on her inauguration via pre-recorded video messages. Tsai also resumed her role as chair of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
To coincide with the president’s new term, the Executive Yuan announced the new cabinet, with only minor changes to the previous ministerial line-up.
The minor reshuffle sees no changes at the top of the defence, foreign affairs, transport, interior, health, justice, economic and finance ministries.
But the handful of newly-appointed ministers include National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin, who replaces Chen Mei-ling.
Wu Tsung-tsong replaced Chen Liang-gee as the new Minister of Science and Technology.
Incumbent Hakka Affairs Council Minister Lee Yong-de has been appointed the Minister of Culture following the departure of Cheng Li-chun. Lee's position at the Hakka Affairs Council will be filled by his deputy, Yong Chang-chen.
Incumbent Financial Supervisory Commission Vice Chairman Huang Tien-mu has been promoted to chairman after his predecessor Wellington Koo was appointed to head the National Security Council.
Meanwhile Taiwan's current top representative to Thailand, Tong Zhen-yuan, has been appointed to the post of Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister.
The new cabinet assumed office following a swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Office.
In other appointments, former legislative speaker Su Jia-chyuan will take over the position of Secretary General of the Presidential Office previously held by Chen Chu, who will move on to a new role as president of the Control Yuan.
