Chen tightens grip on levers of power

Ruan Ming (阮銘), researcher at the College of International Studies at Tamkang University (淡江大學), said that "Chen has not become a dictator whom the public will not accept, but the DPP will be degrading the government if it puts party interests ahead of the prosperity of the country."

On the other hand, Lin Duan said that the confrontation between the legislature, controlled by a KMT majority, and the Executive Yuan would deteriorate. "Now the KMT lawmakers can fully attack the Executive Yuan because it is no longer led by their KMT colleague," he said.

The ruling DPP has 68 legislative seats, the KMT occupies 115.

Wu Yu-shan (吳玉山), a professor of politics at National Taiwan University, expressed similar concerns over the situation in the legislature, saying the DPP premier would be more likely to find himself subject to KMT boycotts and spoiling tactics.

Lin further said that because the president would now be able to exert more influence on the premier on significant policy matters -- especially on the DPP's core policies -- in a manner that could consolidate essential support, this could be a further source of heightened tension with KMT lawmakers.

"The KMT would definitely fight with all its force particularly to oppose the DPP's basic beliefs in order to perform well in the next election," he said.

"Then the two sides will be going nowhere, determined to defend their own interests without room for compromise."

Kuo said the president should contact opposition parties and promote "alliances for issues" in the legislature.