Taiwan’s New Cabinet Largely Unchanged Ahead Of Inauguration

On the eve of President Tsai’s second inauguration, Taiwan’s Executive Yuan yesterday announced the make-up of her new Cabinet.

Of the 38 posts in Taiwan’s current Cabinet, seven are new appointees with 31 others retaining their previous posts.

Most notable – announced two weeks ago – is the reappointment of Premier Su Tseng-chang, a close friend and influential political ally of the president.

None of the most prominent ministerial posts are affected in the latest announcement, with the ministers for defence, foreign affairs, justice, health, and financial affairs all remaining the same according to the Executive Yuan.

Of note however, are new appointments in the post of Minister of the National Development Council – Kung Ming-hsin replacing Chen Mei-ling, a step-up from his previous position as deputy in the same ministry as well as the new head of the Ministry of Science and Technology – Wu Tsung-tsong.

The post of Taiwan’s Minister of Culture will now be filled by Lee Yung-de, himself a former Hakka Affairs Council Minister.

Lee’s position at the Hakka Affairs Council will now be filled by Yiong Cong-ziin.

The inauguration ceremony itself, later this morning, will be a relatively low-key affair in line with COVID-19 precautions, and will be followed by the official swearing in of the new Cabinet members.