Speculation is building that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai will become Taiwan's next premier, a possible cabinet reshuffle that would shake up President Lai Ching-te's government.

• President Lai hinted Chen will not stay idle after leaving the mayor's office at the end of this year, saying "a bigger microphone" awaits him.
• Current Premier Cho Jung-tai, asked if Lai wants him to stay, would only say he has been getting "a lot of work instructions" lately.
• Cho said he originally planned to serve just six months, and told himself in May he only needed to last until the end of the year.
• He described the premier's job as one that burns people out fast, and praised his smooth working relationship with the president amid constant pressure from the opposition-controlled legislature.
• Cho said he will keep backing Lai's agenda and a 2028 re-election bid in whatever role he ends up in.

Outlook: A cabinet reshuffle looks likely around the turn of the year, with Chen Chi-mai the leading name to take over.