Premier Su Tseng-chang says that he will not replace health minister Chen Shih-chung as commander of Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center. That’s despite calls from the Taiwan People’s Party for Chen’s replacement as the center’s head.
On Wednesday, the party said that the escalating nature of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan means the time has come for a higher-ranking official to take over the job.
In response Friday, Su said that Chen has been professional and responsible, successfully delegating tasks and presiding over each of the command center’s daily press conferences. The premier says that Chen’s efforts have been so successful that he’s garnered international recognition.
A recent poll conducted by local news outlet TVBS shows that Chen also enjoys strong public support in Taiwan, with a public approval rating of 91%.