In response to criticism by lawmakers that the upcoming cabinet reshuffle is too limited in scope, the Executive Yuan has confirmed that more cabinet members will be replaced than earlier revealed, including one to two ministers without portfolio.

According to Premier Wu Den-yih, a small-scale Cabinet reshuffle will have impact and significance.

The departures of National Youth Commission Minister Wang Yu-ting, Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission Minister Kao Su-po, and Department of Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang have already been confirmed, and one or two ministers without portfolio will likely be replaced as well.

Opposition legislators are calling for the removal of the finance and economic affairs ministers, but it is unlikely that they will be replaced at the time being.

According to reports, President Ma Ying-jeou will also be keeping the ministers of national defense and foreign affairs in place.

The interior, education, environmental protection, and labor affairs ministers will also retain their current posts, while the fate of Sports Affairs Council Minister Tai Hsia-ling has not yet been decided.

The results of the reshuffle are expected to be announced before Chinese New Year.