The incoming cabinet will only be around for a limited time, with the key challenge being to avoid creating further public discontent before the 2024 elections, said Ian Tsung-yen Chen, associate professor at National Sun Yat-sen University. He added that the cabinet will likely continue the policies of Su's team.
"If we can make breakthroughs in housing justice, low wages, post-pandemic economic recovery, universal money distribution, the elimination of black-money politics and so forth -- which are currently the most concerning issues of young people -- it will be a bonus," he told Nikkei Asia.
Chen stressed that optics are very important and that the cabinet should avoid quarreling with the opposition or the public, with the main goal being to effectively communicate policies to the media and the public.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should continue to withstand Chinese pressure, he added. "In the presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party needs to retain their firm advantage on the issue of resisting China in order to dilute public dissatisfaction with domestic affairs."