TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Cabinet Spokesperson Lin Tzu-lun revealed on Thursday (Jan. 18) that President Tsai Ing-wen has asked Premier Chen Chien-jen and his cabinet to stay, after they tendered their resignation, following the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) failure to secure the majority in the Legislative Yuan.
A new government is set to take charge on May 20, but in the meantime, a new legislative session will begin two months prior, on Feb. 1.
According to tradition, the premier is expected to step down before the first legislative assembly after the term of current legislators expires.
Lin, responding on behalf of Chen, said the executive branch would continue to push its policy agenda during this transitional period, adding that the goal was to work with the new legislative body to continue promoting policies beneficial to the nation and its citizens.
Throughout his year as premier, Chen launched numerous significant policies, including NT$6,000 cash handouts, free secondary vocational education, university tuition subsidies, and safety measures for a sustainable automobile society, among others.
Chen also highlighted the successful launch of the Hai Kun class submarine and the resumption of the one-year military service as an indication of Taiwan's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and guarding its democracy.