Top gov't officials give blessing to Jiang over premier appointment

According to local reports, Jiang has been appointed to take over from Premier Sean Chen as Executive Yuan head, while Transportation Minister Mao Chi-kuo (毛治國) is slated to take over as vice premier.

Yesterday marked the beginning of a new session at the Legislature, and in response to reporters, Wang said that he had heard rumors of Jiang becoming premier beforehand, but it was not until he saw TV reports Thursday night that the news was more or less confirmed for him.

The speaker added that he had not paid attention to who the new vice premier was going to be.

With regard to claims of Jiang being overly similar to President Ma Ying-jeou in the way they handled things, Wang said that Jiang's treatment of the massively complex annuity reform has shown that the vice premier is a quick learner, and that he is both very professional and very intelligent.

It is too early to pass judgments, Wang said, adding that the media should give Jiang time to prove himself.

Minister, Mayors Give Congratulations

Interior Minister Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源) said that Chen has worked hard, and that he believes Jiang will go a good job as head of government.

Lee added, however, that he was reluctant to see Chen step down.

The minister said that judging from Jiang's experience, the vice premier will do a good job as the Cabinet's leader.

As to whether there will be any changes in the economic and financial branches of the government, Lee said, “I have absolutely no idea.”

With regard to the Cabinet reshuffle, Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強) said that he was “delighted.”

The mayor added that he fully supports the reshuffle because it indicates a passing of the torch to a new generation.

Hu said that Jiang will be the youngest premier in the Republic of China's history, and that he not only gives his blessing, but that he also fully supports the appointment.

The mayor added that Jiang was one of the few people who placed a great deal of emphasis on public opinion without having gone through elections himself.

When Jiang served as interior minister, he interacted with the Taichung City Government frequently, which lead to good cooperation, Hu said.

As to whether the reshuffle had any implications regarding the Kuomintang's personnel strategy, Hu said, “The most important thing is for everyone to do their job well.”

New Taipei Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) also congratulated Jiang on his appointment, and lauded Jiang as a learned and capable man.

Chu and Jiang were classmates at Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School.

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