Doubts over the success of efforts by DPP lawmakers to push forward a fresh election for the seat of legislative speaker were further fueled yesterday after Premier-designate Tang Fei (
Vice Premier-designate Yu Hsi-kun quoted Tang yesterday as saying he "worried about any shift in the legislature at the moment, before power is transferred." Nevertheless, Yu said, the incoming premier knew there was little he could do to prevent it.
"Tang would not interfere with the operations of the legislature, and will respect its decisions," Yu said.
Because the DPP lacks a majority in the Legislative Yuan, obtaining the speakership to reduce resistance against bills proposed by the new Cabinet has been raised as a possible means to remove obstacles to a smooth power transfer.
Former DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh (
Internal disputes within different factions of the DPP, however, have themselves became an obstacle to the proposal.
Two days ago, DPP faction leaders reached a consensus that they would leave any decision on the matter to the party's legislative caucus, which is set to discuss the issue tomorrow.
It is believed that Tang's stance will be a significant factor in the party's decision on the issue.
The party's Justice faction leader, Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄), insisted that the DPP should not insist on a replacement for current legislative speaker to avoid antagonizing the KMT and possibly provoking boycotts against bills brought to the legislature by the new Cabinet.
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