Taiwan President gives up power to PM

Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian has handed over day-to-day control of the government to Premier Su Tseng-chang, a Presidential spokesman said on Thursday, amid a swirl of scandals embroiling the first family.

Chen, whose term ends in 2008, remains head of state, but appears to have given up many of his powers, including the ability to set policy outlines and carry them out, effectively ending his presidential authority.

On May 24, police arrested Chen’s son-in-law Chao Chien-min on suspicion of defrauding a state company.