Young minister a bold attempt to solve government problems

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/08/25
By: Milly Lin, Tai Ya-chen, Huang Chiao-wen, and S.C. Chang

Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) The appointment of Audrey Tang (唐鳳), a self-styled “civic hacker” involved in several online projects on public participation in policy discussions, as a minister without portfolio was seen as a “bold” attempt by the Cabinet to move the government’s policy on the digital economy forward.

Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Tang, 35, will be in charge of issues pertaining to the digital economy and open government when she assumes the post Oct. 1.

While lauding Premier Lin Chuan for his bold attempt to use Tang’s expertise, former Premier Simon Chang (張善政) said three problems will have to be solved before the youngest member of the Cabinet can display her expertise:

First, will she be authorized to “command” the 40-odd staff members, most of whom are information technology experts, in the Cabinet task force on science and technology?     [FULL  STORY]