Taiwan Premier To Resign 'when Time Is Right'

Taiwan premier to resign 'when time is right'

Taiwan's Premier Lai Ching-te Friday said he would step down from the post "when the time is right" to take political responsibility for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) rousting in November 24 local government elections.

TAIPEI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2018 ) :Taiwan's Premier Lai Ching-te Friday said he would step down from the post "when the time is right" to take political responsibility for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) rousting in November 24 local government elections.

"Taking political responsibility is the supreme value of democracy that no one should ever go against. I am a person who preaches 'long live democracy,'" Lai said in a press conference at the Executive Yuan.

Pressed with questions about whether he has considered it to be a right timing when the Legislature breaks for a recess in January or running for president in 2020, Lai didn't elaborate.

The legislative session is scheduled to end Dec. 31, but an extra session is likely to be held in January if the 2019 budget bill is not passed by the end of this session.

Lai offered a verbal resignation to President Tsai Ing-wen on election night. He said then that the election result was a reflection of public dissatisfaction with the government's performance, for which he has to shoulder responsibility.

As his resignation was not accepted by Tsai, who resigned as DPP chairperson that night, Lai has decided to stay put "in the interest of political stability and continuity."