Image credits - Executive Yuan
Former Minister of Transportation Li Mengyan has resigned following revelations of a decade-long extramarital affair. The Executive Yuan has approved his resignation and appointed Chen Yanbo, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, to temporarily assume the role of Minister of Transport.
Li Mengyan’s resignation came after details of his affair with a woman surnamed Zhang were disclosed on the online forum PTT. Li, who had served as Minister of Transportation, submitted his verbal resignation to President Lai Ching-te and Chief Executive Officer Toh Rong-tai. Both leaders acknowledged Li’s past contributions to public service and respected his personal decision to step down.
Chen Yanbo, who graduated with a master’s degree from the Institute of Transportation Management Science at National Cheng Kung University, has a long history with the Ministry of Transport. Starting his career as a grassroots civil servant, Chen has held several key positions, including chief secretary of the Department of Road Administration and the National Highway New Construction Engineering Bureau. His extensive experience within the ministry makes him a familiar figure in handling its affairs.
In a statement issued yesterday, Li Mengyan expressed his profound apologies for the personal misconduct that had caused significant distress to his family and negative public perception. He thanked his colleagues for their understanding and support.
Following Li’s departure, the Executive Yuan appointed Chen Yanbo to oversee the ministry’s operations on an interim basis. Executive Yuan spokesman Chen Shikai confirmed that Chen will manage the ministry’s responsibilities until a new permanent minister is appointed. Chen also confirmed his acceptance of the temporary role, stating his readiness to handle the duties of the position.
As the Ministry of Transport enters a caretaker period, the Executive Yuan will proceed with selecting a new minister to take on the role officially.