Taiwan President appoints new PM

Taipei, Jan 11 (IANS) Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen appointed a new Prime Minister on Friday following the resignation of the incumbent over the recent electoral setback suffered by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.The President announced the appointment of Su Tseng-chang to replace Lai Ching-te at a press conference in which both were present, reports Efe news.Lai announced his resignation on Thursday night and made it effective on Friday morning after a cabinet meeting. His exit had been expected since Premiers in Taiwan usually step down after a party’s election defeat.Experts believe Su could help garner support for Tsai within the party and boost her chances of re-election in 2020.He was appointed Prime Minister in 2006 by then President Chen Shui-bian but resigned in 2007 to contest the 2008 presidential elections, which he lost to Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang Party.The DPP suffered a resounding defeat in the local elections of November 24, which sparked opposition to Tsai’s 2020 candidacy among pro-independence supporters.–IANSksk/mr