Taiwan PM resigns after rolling out controversial laws

Taipei, Sep 4 (IANS) Taiwan's Prime Minister Lin Chuan on Monday announced that he had resigned from his post.

Addressing a press conference, he said he submitted his resignation on Sunday to President Tsai Ing-wen, who has yet to announce whether she has accepted it, Efe news agency reported.

However, Xinhua news agency reported that Tsai had accepted Lin's resignation.

After taking charge in May 2016, Lin rolled out controversial laws regarding pension reforms, the control of the assets of political parties and labour reform.

The Prime Minister said he had met sufficient targets and wanted to leave the President with enough room to deploy her people.

Lin said he told Tsai about his wish to step down on Sunday during a National Security Council meeting.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, a member of the government revealed that Lai Ching-te, Mayor of Tainan city and one of the most charismatic leaders of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), will be made the new Prime Minister on Friday.

In several surveys, Lai has gained more popularity than the President herself. He did not respond to questions from the media regarding his future course.

Lin was the first Prime Minister under Tsai of the DPP, who took charge in May 2016.

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