Speculation grows over Yu replacement

The question of who will be appointed to the post of vice premier triggered another political struggle yesterday.

Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) is now believed to be the most likely appointee, after the former chairman of the Council for Economic Planning and Development, Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤), turned down the job Tuesday evening.

Sources revealed that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) had favored Chang as a replacement for Yu Shyi-kung.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Chen Chen-nan (陳哲男) recommended Chang yesterday morning, saying, "Chang has served six consecutive terms as a legislator. He is familiar with the operations in the Legislative Yuan."

Premier Tang Fei (唐飛), however, said on Tuesday that an ability to integrate economic policies and to coordinate with the legislature would be ideal, which to a certain extent disqualified Chang, who does not have a strong background in finance.

"[Candidates who] show leadership in teamwork, take the initiative in financial matters and meet the balance of party representation would be suitable for the post," said Chung Chin (鍾琴), director-general of the Government Information Office, at a press conference yesterday, emphasizing that Tang was still consulting with various advisors.

Tang also met with Chen late Tuesday night to discuss possible candidates for the job.

DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) refused to comment on the issue and denied that he had any further discussion with Chen during their weekly meeting yesterday.

However, Hsieh expressed his preference of candidates. "If comrades of the DPP take over Yu's position, it would benefit the establishment of the Forum for Party and Political Negotiations (黨政協商會報) that I proposed when I was inaugurated," Hsieh said, adding that Chen agreed representatives should attend the meetings on a regular basis, starting next Wednesday.

It was widely believed that Yu's resignation would lead to another round of factional infighting within the DPP. Nevertheless, it gradually eased the tension of personnel reshuffling in the Cabinet, as well as the public outrage over the Pachang Creek (八掌溪) incident.

Tang and all the Cabinet paid a silent tribute to mourn the four victims before the weekly Cabinet meeting was convened yesterday morning.

The premier also instructed the Ministry of National Defense's Taipei Rescue and Coordination Center (國家搜救指揮中心) to reinforce its operations by integrating and simplifying the standard procedures for rescue operations.