Lai bids farewell to Tainan, names Lee Meng-yen as acting mayor

Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te (賴清德) gave a farewell speech at Tainan Cty hall Wednesday as he prepared to take up his new post as premier, and he announced that Lee Meng-yen (李孟諺) will serve as acting mayor for the next year.

The operations of the city government will continue as usual under the leadership of Lee, who is currently secretary-general of the Tainan City government, Lai said in his final report at city hall.

Lai said he will be able to serve more people when he takes up his new post as Taiwan's premier and that his love for Tainan will never change.

He said he was able to make great achievements in the southern city, with the support of his administrative team and residents, which earned him recognition and the trust of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

The city government's achievements over the past few years included the implementation of proper finance management, flood control measures and transportation infrastructure projects, Lai said.

The premier-designate, who will head to Taipei to take up his new post later in the week, was applauded by local government employees and Tainan residents who gathered at city hall to hear his last address there as mayor.

Lai and his administrative team bowed to the residents and thanked them for their support during the seven years he served as mayor.

On Tuesday, Lai was named to replace Premier Lin Chuan (林全), who tendered his resignation the previous day.