|
Taiwan's Chen hands over some powers amid scandal
2006-06-03
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has relinquished some of his major decision-making powers, officials said, apparently succumbing to mounting pressure over a corruption scandal. Chen announced late Wednesday that he will give up powers such as nominating cabinet members but will retain control over foreign affairs, the military, cross-Strait ties and national security, a presidential office spokesman said. Those four key policy areas fall within the president's remit under the constitution, but all other powers he held in government and his ruling party would be assumed by top officials, said spokesman Lee Nan-yang. However, analysts say the president's move doesn't mark a major power-shift given that Chen will still keep control of the major roles of his office. "Chen is being preemptive and is doing damage control over the scandal," implicating members of the first family, said George Tsai, a political science professor at National Chengchi University. "But since he still controls matters such as national defence, foreign affairs and cross-Strait, he isn't actually relinquishing that much of his powers," Tsai said. Chen announced that the remaining duties of his office will be taken up by Premier Su Tseng-chang. He also will no longer be involved in party decisions. "The people expect the government to function more effectively and I see the president's efforts and determination for reforms by giving the cabinet bigger responsibilities," Su said. Chen's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been rocked by an insider-trading case allegedly implicating the president's son-in-law. The allegations have triggered heated criticism of Chen's family. "The first family and related members should reflect hard on themselves and regulate their behavior with strict standards to avoid being involved in any scandals," spokesman Lee quoted Chen as saying. Chen's son-in-law Chao Chien-ming has been detained since May 25 in connection with the alleged insider trading scandal, prompting demands from his own party that he drop his one-man leadership style. "Perhaps if Chen had done so (hand over powers) earlier, these things would not have happened," said DPP lawmaker Lee Wen-chung. Opposition lawmakers immediately demanded Chen's resignation over the scandal. "Chen has to seriously ponder over this issue. If he can't command the support of the people, there is no point for him to continue being in this position," said Taipei mayor Ma Ying-jeou, who leads the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). "Chen's son-in-law violated laws and abused powers and he has to make it clear whether he and his wife were aware of it ... instead of shifting the focus" by relinquishing powers. Another opposition, the People First Party, is planning a rally for Saturday to call for Chen's resignation. The opposition has collected enough signatures to launch an impeachment case against Chen in parliament, which is currently in recess. It is uncertain if the bill would be proposed when the parliament reopens in the fall. Experts also say that given Chen's move, Su is likely to be his successor and the DPP's presidential candidate in 2008 when the president ends his second and final term. Chen's popularity has slumped after a string of corruption scandals implicating government officials. A recent poll by cable news network TVBS showed that 70 percent were unhappy with his performance. Chen's right-hand man, Ma Yung-cheng, resigned Thursday in the wake of the president's move. Ma, who joined Chen when he was parliamentarian 15 years ago, has repeatedly been targetted by opposition legislators who accuse him of taking bribes to benefit local business groups. Separately, the defense ministry denied allegations that generals were promoted after bribing Chen's former top aide in a new political scandal that could threaten the government. The aide, Chen Che-nan, and 17 others, including a former deputy transport minister, were indicted last year on charges of bribery in a massive corruption scandal.
Taiwan launches 14th bid to join UN (2006-08-13)Taiwan's Chen survives opposition bid to oust him (2006-06-29)Taiwan's Chen hands over some powers amid scandal (2006-06-03)Thousands demand Taiwan president's ouster (2006-06-03)Taiwan premier takes control of government (2006-06-01)
| 
