Wang says DPP sticks together

Over the years, the alliance has revolved around such superstar members as President Chen, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), former Nantou county commissioner Pang Pai-hsien (彭百顯) and Shen. Charismatic and influential, they tend to impose their will on fellow members without any form of discussion. Chen Shui-bian, in particular, has frequently asked a few confidants to help carry out his wishes since he won the Taipei mayoralty.

This lack of democratic process has angered many over time, with some venting the discontent on Chen Chi-mai, who has otherwise maintained cozy ties with others. The revolt poses a crisis to the alliance's harmony with its impact unpredictable thus far.

TT: Will the revolt grow out of control?

Wang: I would not worry too much about that. It has been DPP culture that members compete with and criticize each another. But once a consensus is arrived at, all stay united. Also, the president has considerably adjusted his leadership. To my knowledge, he fully delegated the Cabinet shuffle to Premier Yu Shyi-kun. Only when Yu ran into snags did the president lend a helping hand.

I found the change wise and proper. Otherwise, the premier would have difficulty commanding respect from his subordinates. Though meek and wanting in eloquence, Yu is not hesitant to fight for his beliefs, as evidenced by his veto on the amendments to budget allocation rules.