TAIPEI, Aug 22 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s minister for economic affairs has stepped down, citing personal health concerns, just before a widely anticipated restructuring of the executive branch. The resignation comes as the administration grapples with domestic political hurdles, particularly legislative gridlock caused by an opposition-led parliament.
The official, Kuo, announced his departure through a statement released by his ministry, attributing the decision to the intense demands of the role on his well-being. He acknowledged public and political scrutiny during his tenure, expressing gratitude for both policy-related and personal critiques.
Kuo played a key role in shaping Taiwan’s response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 20% tariff on exports to America. He was also responsible for enforcing export regulations to prevent advanced technology from reaching nations under trade restrictions, such as China and Russia, while overseeing national energy strategies.
Opposition lawmakers had previously criticized him for repeated verbal misstatements. Despite media speculation identifying him as a likely candidate for replacement amid a broader cabinet reshuffle, no successor has been officially named.
Earlier the same day, Digital Affairs Minister Yennun Huang also announced his resignation, stating intentions to return to academic work. President Lai’s administration continues to face challenges from a legislature where opposition parties hold a majority, including blocked bills and significant reductions to proposed budgets.
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Taiwan economy minister resigns ahead of expected cabinet reshuffle
TAIPEI, Aug 22 (Reuters) – Taiwan ‘s economy minister said on Friday he had resigned for health reasons, ahead of a widely expected cabinet reshuffle as the government faces domestic challenges including trying to work with an opposition-dominated legislature. n nSign up here. n nIt also enforces controls to ensure sensitive high-tech goods do not end up in countries subject to export curbs such as China or Russia, and oversees energy policy. n nIn a statement issued by his ministry, Kuo said his resignation was based on “health considerations” given the taxing nature of the job. n nKuo has faced criticism from opposition parties for his frequent verbal slip-ups. n”Regarding the criticism and feedback I have received from various sectors during this period, whether directed at policies or at me personally, I sincerely appreciate it and humbly accept it,” he said in his resignation statement. n nThere was no immediate word from the cabinet on his replacement. n nLai has had to contend with opposition parties, who form a majority in parliament, blocking legislation and passing their own, as well as imposing swingeing budget cuts. n nTaiwan media said this week that a cabinet reshuffle this month was very likely, and named Kuo as one of the ministers most at risk of being replaced. n nKuo had also been one of the ministers involved in formulating the government ‘s response to President Donald Trump ‘s 20% tariff on goods exported to the United States. n nEarlier on Friday, Digital Affairs Minister Yennun Huang said he was also stepping down, to return to academia. n nReporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Helen Popper