Taiwan President Names New Premier in Reshuffle
President Chen Shui-bian today named his chief of staff, who has limited experience in administration, prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle aimed at rescuing the flagging economy.
Chen named Yu Shyi-kun to the post, a move that outgoing Prime Minister Chang Chun-hsiung said was aimed at helping Chen’s reelection in 2004.
Yu, 53, is a former vice premier and was mayor of the northeastern rural county of Ilan from 1989 to 1997. He retains a grass-roots manner and accent from his days there.
Yu replaces Chang, whose popularity rating has been low since he took office in October 2000. Chang is expected to be named a senior advisor to the president.
Chen told a news conference that Yu would name a new Cabinet as soon as possible.
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