Mr Chen's powers will, however, be constrained by the DPP's minority status in the Legislative Yuan. Even though the DPP occupies only a minority of seats in Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan, his government is expected to make progress during the next two years in achieving this aim. In any case, even if the KMT wanted to oppose Mr Chen's crackdown on corruption, it is not in a strong position to do so.
Corruption is deeply unpopular in Taiwan.
Relations between China and Taiwan seem to have improved in recent weeks. Mr Chen has in recent months greatly toned down the DPP's pro-independence stance. Mr Chen has also promised to continue with efforts made by the last government to improve the efficiency of the domestic economy. Some of these market-opening measures have already been implemented. The remainder are likely to be introduced during the forecast period, when Taiwan is finally expected to accede to the trade body.