Simon Chang cabinet

Simon Chang cabinet refers to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 1 February to 20 May 2016, headed by Premier Simon Chang. Most popular in the past eight years of Kuomintang governance, it was the first ministry led by an independent premier since 1928, and the last under President Ma Ying-jeou after the ruling party was defeated in the presidential election.

History

On 16 January 2016, Mao Chi-kuo resigned as premier following the ruling Kuomintang's defeat in both presidential and legislative election. Simon Chang, then vice premier, became the acting premier. President Ma Ying-jeou dismissed the Mao cabinet on 25 January, and appointed Chang as the successor on 1 February.

According to pollsters, the Chang cabinet had the highest approval rate amongst ministries during Ma's tenure, even surpassing the presidency's popularity. The administration won appreciation over the handling of the aftermath of the 2016 southern Taiwan earthquake, which happened just five days after the cabinet assumed office.

The cabinet resigned on 12 May amidst the upcoming transfer of power, and was succeeded by the Lin cabinet after Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition inaugurated as the president.

Cabinet

Ministers of independent agency unaffected by the resignation of cabinets:

• Chairperson of Fair Trade Commission: Wu Shiow-ming
• Chairperson of Central Election Commission: Liu I-chou
• Chairperson of National Communications Commission: Howard S.H. Shyr
• Governor of Central Bank: Perng Fai-nan (Kuomintang)
• Minister of Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan: Chou Yuan-chin
• Minister of Public Construction Commission, Executive Yuan: Hsu Chun-yat
• Minister of Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics: Shih Su-mei (Kuomintang)
• Minister of Directorate-General of Personnel Administration: Huang Fu-yuan
• Director of National Palace Museum: Feng Ming-chu
• Minister without Portfolio: Feng Yen, Hsiao Chia-chi (Kuomintang), Chung Chia-te

Opinion polls