Taiwan’s unpopular premier resigns

Taiwan’s Premier Lin Chuan resigned yesterday in a move aimed at reviving dwindling public support for the government of President Tsai Ing-wen, reports AFP from Taipei.

Tsai’s office announced in a statement that Lin tendered his resignation on Sunday, saying that he had “accomplished his periodic tasks”, and it was approved by the president.

Speculation was rife that Lin would be replaced. The government’s popularity has been hit by a series of controversial policies, ranging from holiday cuts to pension reforms, as well as by worsening relations with China.

Beijing has cut all official communication with Tsai’s government since she took office in May last year.

Her Democratic Progressive Party, which traditionally leans towards declaring formal independence from China, has refused officially to accept that Taiwan is part of one China.

Tsai’s popularity has been dropping from a high of nearly 70 percent when she took power to below 30 percent in several recent polls, with some in the DPP blamed the unpopular premier for dragging down her support.

Taiwans unpopular premier resigns

Taiwans Premier Lin Chuan resigned yesterday in a move aimed at reviving dwindling public support for the government of President Tsai Ing-wen, reports AFP from Taipei. Tsais office announced in a statement that Lin tendered his resignation on Sunday, saying that he had accomplished his periodic tasks, and it was approved by the president. Speculation was rife that Lin would be replaced. The governments popularity has been hit by a series of controversial policies, ranging from holiday cuts to pension reforms, as well as by worsening relations with China. Beijing has cut all official communication with Tsais government since she took office in May last year. Her Democratic Progressive Party, which traditionally leans towards declaring formal independence from China, has refused officially to accept that Taiwan is part of one China. Tsais popularity has been dropping from a high of nearly 70 percent when she took power to below 30 percent in several recent polls, with some in the DPP blamed the unpopular premier for dragging down her support.