Taipei, Taiwan ? Taiwan’s president announced today that he was limiting his authority, handing over some powers to the country’s premier in the wake of a series of scandals, officials said.

President Chen Shui-bian said Premier Su Tseng-chang would control the Cabinet and that he would no longer get directly involved in affairs of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, said David Lee, a presidential spokesman.

Chen, whose term ends in 2008, appeared to still be in control of government policy and foreign affairs.

The statement also said Chen and his family members promised to “conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards and live up to the public’s expectations,” CNA reported.

The move came amid rising calls by both the ruling party and the opposition for Chen to take responsibility for a series of scandals embroiling his family and administration.