Taiwanese premier resigns amid rising public discontent, but says he completed his major missions

Taiwan will appoint a new premier and form a new cabinet later this week following the resignation of incumbent Lin Chuan amid growing criticism of the government’s performance.

Tainan Mayor William Lai Ching-te is seen as the most likely successor, though the appointment is not expected to bring about any substantial changes to the island’s policy regarding China’s mainland, as that is controlled by President Tsai Ing-wen, analysts said.

However, cross-strait ties are facing fresh uncertainty because of the upcoming 19th congress of China’s Communist Party at which there is likely to be a major personnel reshuffle, they said.

Lin announced his resignation at a news conference in Taipei on Monday, saying it was time for him to leave as he had completed the three major missions he had vowed to accomplish after being appointed by Tsai as cabinet leader in May last year.

“I had already discussed with President Tsai in June about my plan to resign,” Lin said, adding that he had no intention of staying after achieving the goals of ensuring a smooth transfer of power, consolidating Tsai’s campaign promises, and laying a firm foundation for national development.