TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday (April 10) named former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chair Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) as premier.
At a press conference, Lai announced his top picks for the new Cabinet. Lai said Cho would take over as premier, former Culture Minister Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) will serve as vice premier, and National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) will act as Secretary-General, reported SET News.
Cho said he would help build an “active and innovative (AI) Cabinet” and had already begun recruiting new members. He said the “AI Cabinet” will uphold the spirit of democratic unity, appointing individuals based on their abilities regardless of party affiliation.
Cho said that he would spare no effort in organizing the new Cabinet. He added Lai had one request, three expectations, and three tasks.
Lai asked Cho to build an innovative Cabinet. Among the three expectations, Cho said Lai expects enhanced communication and increased coordination to identify common ground in society.
Lai also wants to understand issues ranging from central to local governance, legislation to administration, and civil society to address people's needs. Lai also expects to understand the national policy blueprint and lead the team forward, said Cho.
Among Lai's three tasks, Cho said the Cabinet will first enhance government efficiency through technological, service, and digital innovation. Second, a communication platform will be set up to gather opinions from the public to better address their needs.
Third, using the National Project of Hope as a blueprint, efforts will be made to create a “healthy Taiwan” by promoting diverse and equal values. This will include addressing issues important to the youth, such as housing equality and expanding investment in education, employment, and childcare.
Cho said as premier he would regularly report to the public. He added he hoped to gain recognition and support from the Taiwanese and expected the Cabinet to engage in sincere communication with the public regarding their needs and legislative oversight.
