Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) will replace Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) as the leader of Taiwan's Cabinet. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) announced Chen’s appointment on Friday at a press conference.
Su submitted his resignation on January 19, after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party suffered losses during last November’s local government elections. The rest of his Cabinet members are expected to resign on January 30, followed by a ceremony to instate new members the next day.
Chen was vice president during Tsai’s first term in office, from 2016 to 2020. During his time in office, Chen helped reform the government’s pension system and legalize same-sex marriage, a first in Asia. Chen was also a key figure in helping Taiwan’s successful pandemic response. After his term ended, Chen resumed his research career at Academia Sinica’s Genomics Research Center.
Tsai says Chen is the best person to help lead Taiwan and the Cabinet through upcoming challenges. She also says she respects Su’s decision to resign and thanks him for his service and being her “biggest supporter.”