TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – When President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced the top picks for his Cabinet Wednesday (April 10), two prominent representatives of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) middle-aged generation were absent.
Presidential Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) were not named at the top of the new Cabinet to be sworn in on May 20, per UDN.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) is expected to move to the National Security Council (NSC), leading to speculation that Lin might be appointed to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Wu’s departure was mentioned by the media, but not confirmed by Lai or any other official sources.
Responding to the MOFA reports, Lin said he had recommended a potential choice of foreign minister to Lai, CNA reported. The president-elect had asked him to keep playing an important role in the government team, he added.
Lin also emphasized his role as a member of the group handling the transition from President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) administration. Lai had asked for his advice on future policies and personnel appointments, he said.
Media reports also fueled speculation that Lin and Cheng were preparing to run as mayoral candidates in the 2026 year-end local elections. Lin was elected as mayor of Taichung City before serving as transportation minister, while Cheng was mayor of Taoyuan City for two terms.