Tsai asks Su to remain premier for second presidential term

Taipei, May 8 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) announced Friday that incumbent Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) will continue to lead the Cabinet after the inaugural ceremony for her second term on May 20.

"Over the past year, Premier Su has had many outstanding achievements. I hereby announce that I have invited him to stay on as premier so we can continue fighting for Taiwan together," Tsai said at a press conference also attended by the premier.

Praising Su as a protector of Taiwan and her closest comrade-in-arms, Tsai thanked the premier for his hard work, saying that he has already helped her build a better Taiwan and will continue to do so over the next four years in her second term as president. She also noted his high public approval.

Outlining her blueprint for Taiwan, Tsai emphasized that combating the COVID-19 pandemic is her top priority right now, to be followed by reinvigorating Taiwan's economy, improving the livelihood of the people, deepening ongoing reform and achieving balanced regional development.

For his part, Su said he was honored to assume the responsibility and promised, as always, to do everything in his power to help Tsai.

"My life-long goal is to see Taiwan shine and recognized across the world," he said.

In line with the Constitution, Su will submit the collective resignation of the Cabinet during its weekly meeting on May 14 -- the last Cabinet meeting before May 20, when Tsai officially starts her second and final four-year term as president.