Speculation rife over outcome of political crisis

With the recall crisis facing President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) unresolved, rumors hinting at numerous possible outcomes are spreading in the legislature.

The rumors include discussion of a coalition government headed by a KMT legislator, a possibility which Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) said yesterday was worthy of consideration.

The latest rumor is that Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) may be replaced to end the recall drive, which was started by opposition lawmakers after Chang announced the government's decision to scrap the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant (核四) project on Oct. 27. Chang has been declared persona non grata by lawmakers.

Chen reportedly may accept proposals for a coalition government or a "majority ruling alliance" in the legislature.

Talk of a KMT premier

Former KMT minister of the interior Huang Chu-wen (黃主文) was reported to be a possible candidate to take over the premiership.

KMT Legislator Hung Hsing-rong (洪性榮), who has openly urged his colleagues to "give Chen a chance" if Chen is willing to show goodwill to opposition parties, confirmed yesterday that he had been told that "President Chen has some plans in mind" and would take action soon.

"Some DPP legislators told me that the DPP is considering having a KMT member head the Cabinet," Hung said.

Hung, however, said Chen will have to take the initiative to raise such a proposal, because the KMT, as an opposition party, is in no position to do so.

While the majority KMT is playing a leading role in the recall drive against Chen, voices in favor of halting the drive have started to be heard within the KMT, especially after public polls showed that most of the voting public are against a recall.

These legislators, including Hung, generally believe that the recall is unnecessary if Chen is willing to stop what they have termed his "dictatorship."

Her Jyh-huei (何智輝), whip of the KMT legislative caucus, reiterated yesterday that Chen should abide by the "constitutional system" and put forth policies that are capable of regaining public faith.

KMT denies pressuring chen

Her denied that the KMT has any intention of pressuring Chen to agree to a coalition government in exchange for an end to the recall drive.

"The KMT doesn't intend to trade power," Her said.

Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang nevertheless said he believed that it was time for Chen to use his wisdom and take measures to normalize relations between the Legislative and Executive Yuans.

Wang said that if forming a coalition government and replacing Chang with a KMT member were widely considered a means of resuming political stability, it was worthy of consideration.

"Though the president has the power to appoint the premier and the legislature respects that power, the president needs to face up to the reality that the DPP is a minority party in the legislature," Wang said.

Leaders of the DPP caucus, meanwhile, dismissed rumors about a Cabinet reshuffle as simply a "trial balloon" released by opposition parties to test public opinion.

Hsu Tian-tsair (許添財), convener of the DPP caucus, said it would be unlikely that the DPP would form a coalition government with the KMT which, he said, was known for its close links with money from organized crime.