TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on Tuesday said Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) should focus on running the capital rather than weighing in on possible Cabinet appointments.
Her remarks followed Chiang’s suggestion on Monday that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) consider Pegatron Chair Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢) as a replacement for Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), per UDN. Kuo countered that Chiang should instead address an abuse of power allegation involving his office director, per Liberty Times.
Calling reshuffle talk a “fake agenda,” Kuo said Chiang’s attention would be better spent managing Taipei. In response, Taipei City officials urged the Presidential Office to provide evidence regarding the allegation.
Rumors of a Cabinet shake-up have circulated since the failed legislative recall votes on July 26. Former Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) and Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation Chair You Ying-lung (游盈隆) have both urged President Lai to form a coalition government, with Lu also recommending he step down as Democratic Progressive Party chair.
Former DPP lawmaker Lin Cho-shui (林濁水) pushed back, arguing it would be unfair to hold Cho responsible for the recall results, per NOWnews.
On possible changes, DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) said she hoped any reshuffle would be substantial, especially concerning controversial Cabinet members, per Newtalk. Party insiders told ETtoday that since the DPP framed the recalls as a civic movement rather than a partisan setback, the administration is leaning toward limited adjustments.
Cabinet members most likely to be replaced include Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝), Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源), and Digital Affairs Minister Huang Yen-nun (黃彥男). Announcements could come after Sept. 9.
Taipower Chair Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) is reportedly a top candidate to lead the Ministry of Economic Affairs, though his ties to Control Yuan President Chen Chu’s (陳菊) faction may complicate his prospects.
