Baku-APA. Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs has offered his resignation amid criticism over deadly gas explosions that killed 30 people last week, APA reports quoting Press TV.
Chang Chia-juch resigned late Thursday over what he calls frustration at the lack of progress on economic policies amid the deadly explosions in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung a week ago.
Chang did, however, admit that he would “shoulder the blame” for any political instability caused by the blasts.
Meanwhile, opposition Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Chi-mai blamed Chang for trying to avoid accountability for the explosions themselves.
“It's unacceptable if the main reason for Chang’s resignation is the political struggle...He should shoulder responsibility for the explosions,” Cheng said.
Under law, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is responsible for the operation of industrial zones in the southwestern city where the blasts occurred.
The cabinet has not yet approved Chang's resignation.
Four officials of Kaohsiung City Government also resigned from their posts on Thursday.
Multiple gas pipeline explosions in Kaohsiung on July 31 claimed the lives 30 people and injured more than 300.
Local residents say the force of the initial blast caused tremendous damage, knocking down trees, flipping over cars and shattering windows.
The exact cause of the gas leak that triggered the explosions remains unclear and there has been no official announcement.
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