In less than five years the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has formed four Cabinets, with various politicians playing musical chairs. Now that Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) has come onto the scene, as many had expected, we can look forward to a change.
In Chinese history, the successor to the emperor's throne often hailed from the aristocracy, but hardly ever from the position of prime minister. A similar phenomenon can be seen in the experience of democratic countries. Most US presidents have either served in Congress or as a state governor; few have come from the Cabinet. The weight of responsibility shouldered by the premier tends to lead to a short shelf-life, and the position is certainly not necessarily advantageous for a future bid for the presidency.
President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Hsieh go back a long way, and naturally they are quite close. Unlike the premiers before him, Hsieh is not merely from the same generation as Chen, he is his equal in all respects, and there is every reason to believe he could be his successor. Logic dictates that one should avoid appointing anyone as your premier who could pose a threat to you.
It is apparent that appointing Hsieh was a difficult decision for Chen. Perhaps not everyone is wholly convinced that this represents a sudden show of magnanimity on his part, but at the very least he has been pragmatic and succeeded in assessing the lay of the land objectively. Chen has diffused personal tensions and given others space. From this perspective, his move has been met with approval.
Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) has proved himself capable of assuming the premiership, but his political style is influenced by his days playing rugby. He was a contender for the premiership, but in the aftermath of the confrontations between the government and the opposition, most would prefer a period of peace -- time to lick their wounds. Hsieh is more yielding, and the more suitable candidate to foster an atmosphere of reconciliation and negotiation. Furthermore, Su's appointment to the DPP's chairmanship was a good strategic move, and he is destined to do great things.
Shaking up the roost and governing it are two different things, requiring different talents. The DPP has been taken over by a group of defense lawyers who have been jostling for prominence over the last four years. However, they are all elected members with administrative experience. Those who have performed well as county and city leaders have taken up Cabinet positions, and in the process have gradually refined their political styles. All of the senior figures are now able, elected politicians, and have not merely relied on power being laid in their laps or on their own seniority within the party.
The new generation within the DPP, be they legislators, county or city heads, or new recruits, has a great many fresh, well-rounded figures in their midst. Unlike those in the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), who are products of the bureaucratic system, they have more to them than merely political mileage. As for the People First Party (PFP), they are just sitting transfixed, intent on the moment when Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) returns from the US basking in his own glory. When he does, they are sure to throw a reunion reminiscent of the annual family gatherings. Really, who needs it?
The challenges Taiwan faces today are radically different from those of five years ago. International challenges include the rapid rise of China and regional security issues, whilst at home the economy, ethnic issues and having a minority in the legislature all demand a fresh approach. After years of conflict, it is surely time for peace and preparations for the future. Appointing Hsieh as premier is a good start on this road.
Antonio Chiang is a former deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council.
TRANSLATED BY PAUL COOPER
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