ROC Premier Mao, new Cabinet sworn in

2014-12-09

ROC Premier Mao Chi-kuo and the new Cabinet took office Dec. 8, seeking first to promote cross-generational collaboration and helping young people fulfill their dreams.

Following a swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Office observed by President Ma Ying-jeou, Mao and his team were handed the reins of power by outgoing Premier Jiang Yi-huah.

“While I am honored to be ROC premier, I also feel the great pressure that comes with the tremendous responsibility,” Mao said. “As I work to address challenges, I will engage the public and strive to address the needs of the people humbly but proactively,” he added.

The new premier thanked his predecessor for having led the nation through a period of great challenges at home and abroad, praising him as a great example for all who take office.

Mao, who had been vice premier, was promoted Dec. 3 after Jiang and the Cabinet resigned en masse following the ruling Kuomintang’s defeat in the Nov. 29 local government elections.

According to the Executive Yuan, key members of the new lineup include Vice Premier Chang San-cheng, Minister of Economic Affairs Deng Cheng-chung, Minister of Coast Guard Administration Wang Chung-yi and Minister without Portfolio Yeh Shin-cheng, as well as acting Minister of Culture Hung Meng-chi.

The team expects no honeymoon with several key issues high on its agenda, such as the 2015 central government budget. Other policy goals include building a dignified living environment for the disadvantaged, promoting employment for the young, providing care for the elderly and creating business opportunities for the private sector.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224968&CtNode=413)