A handover ceremony for the new Cabinet was held on May 20 at the Assembly Hall of the Executive Yuan. Under the officiation of Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, incoming Premier Cho Jung-tai received the seal of office from outgoing Premier Chen Chien-jen. Premier Cho said that the new "active and innovative (AI) Cabinet" will build upon the solid foundation laid by the outgoing administration of President Tsai Ing-wen over the last eight years, to create a more stable environment for economic development.
In his inauguration speech delivered this morning, President Lai Ching-te clearly outlined the future direction of Taiwan's development, while simultaneously paying tribute to the leadership of former President Tsai and the tireless efforts of her entire executive team, the premier said. During the past eight years, the Tsai administration has fundamentally transformed the nation for the better: creating a secure living environment, strengthening economic resilience for the benefit of the entire population, as well as achieving unprecedented results in promoting Taiwan's digital transformation and transition to net zero. The new Cabinet is determined to build on this solid foundation and continue moving the nation forward.
Premier Cho pointed out that after the pandemic, Taiwan has not only regained its economic growth momentum, but is also performing an important and indispensable role within the global industrial supply chain. Additionally, the government has led from the front with a plethora of progressive policies: expanding investment in and care for people and society, gradually lightening various burdens for young people and child-rearing families, making huge strides towards becoming a more diverse and equitable society, and actively addressing the issue of intergenerational justice. The government has also actively promoted green energy, initiating a strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while getting ahead of the curve on digital transformation to ensure that Taiwan is well-placed to enhance its global presence in the years ahead.
Premier Cho said the new Cabinet will prioritize cracking down on five types of crime—organized crime, financial crime, gun crime, drug-related crime and fraud crime—in addition to upholding seven types of safety in society—public safety, food safety, road safety, occupational safety, school safety, housing safety and cyber safety. He noted that the Executive Yuan on May 9 already approved four draft bills and draft amendments on legislation to bolster anti-fraud capabilities, which he hopes the Legislative Yuan will pass swiftly.
Premier Cho said Taiwan's high-tech industry has become an indispensable link within international supply chains, and this government will not shirk from its responsibility to continue fostering the industry's development and stabilizing global supply networks. The new Cabinet is therefore committed to building a more stable environment for economic development, not only providing a safe and steady power supply, but also continuing to develop new sources of green energy. To fulfill our responsibilities toward future generations and the Earth, he said, the government will never give up its goal of achieving a nuclear-free homeland.
The premier said the new Cabinet will continue to expand funding for social programs including education and long-term care. He said that through everyone's collective efforts, the nation's finances are continually improving, and as a result of Taiwan's robust fiscal health, the government is capable of catalyzing even greater investment in the nation and society, contributing to the welfare of vulnerable groups and the next generation.
Premier Cho emphasized that the new Cabinet will prioritize the promotion of policies that benefit the nation and the public. For the time being, it will set aside controversial or less pressing legislation, in order to seek parliamentary support on tackling the most urgent needs of the Taiwanese people. The premier called on members of his Cabinet team to serve Taiwan's populace with selfless dedication. He also said that the Taiwanese people themselves can be a force that contributes to the nation's internal stability and external development, helping to build a stronger nation and encourage the world to embrace Taiwan.