TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has launched a Cabinet and party reshuffle to overcome legislative gridlock and strengthen economic and security policies, Nikkei Asia reported Friday.
In recent weeks, Lai has replaced ministers responsible for the economy, health, infrastructure, and cyber policy while installing younger officials in key roles. DPP legislators also resigned from caucus leadership posts following unsuccessful recall campaigns against opposition lawmakers.
The reshuffle comes after months of clashes with an opposition-controlled legislature. The new team faces major policy flashpoints, including a potential US trade agreement after Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Taiwan and has called for increases to the defense budget.
A minister close to Lai told Nikkei Asia the reshuffle “sends a signal that the administration will focus on improving people’s livelihoods and growing the economy.” The official added that the administration aims to find common ground with opposition parties and resolve recurring Legislative Yuan disputes over budgets and security reforms.
Young leaders are taking center stage in Taiwan’s security apparatus, with 36-year-old Presidential Office spokesperson Lii Wen (李問), 37-year-old city councilor Chao I-hsiang (趙怡翔), and 37-year-old former Sunflower protest leader Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆) appointed deputy secretaries-general of the National Security Council. Olympic badminton champion Lee Yang (李洋), 30, was named head of a new sports ministry, reflecting Lai’s push to energize government leadership.
Other appointments cover Indigenous, diaspora, and environmental affairs. Meanwhile, veteran politician Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) has been named DPP secretary-general. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) remain in place, providing continuity at the top levels of government.
A source close to the president said the reshuffle prioritizes population resilience, strong US ties, and counters China’s escalating political and military pressure. The source added that the new Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) will focus on guiding industries through tariff and supply chain disruptions.
The shakeup coincides with a potential leadership transition in the main opposition KMT, which will hold internal elections next month. KMT grandee Hu Chih-chiang (胡志強) urged party colleagues to avoid retaliation after the recall votes, cautioning against further political escalation.
DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) said rebuilding dialogue between parties is crucial but will take time. “Even if neither side can fully accept the other’s positions,” Chen said, “both should be willing to compromise on non-core issues to keep the country moving forward.”
