The recent string of personnel reshuffles at the Presidential Office are aimed at placating factions within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), political observers said yesterday.
Dogged by allegations of political and financial improprieties, Presidential Office deputy secretary-general Ma Yung-cheng (
Ma's long-term colleague, National Security Council member Lin Chin-chang (
Ma and Lin have worked with Chen since 1991. Together with former DPP legislator Luo Wen-jia (
Right-hand man
Ma was Chen's right-hand man, serving as a coordinator, mediator and policy strategist, when Chen was elected Taipei mayor in 1994.
Before becoming a senior adviser to the National Security Council in 2004, Lin, who is well known for his writing skill, was in charge of writing Chen's presidential speeches.
Following the resignations of Ma and Lin, the Presidential Office issued a statement on Sunday announcing that council deputy secretaries-general Parris Chang (
Vice President Annette Lu (
Despite the calls for the resignation of council Secretary-General Chiou I-jen (
Some DPP members have criticized Chiou for being too "cooperative" with Chen, especially with regard to cross-strait policies.
Another victim
Su also confirmed on Monday that Taiwan Stock Exchange Chairman Wu Nai-jen (
Shih Cheng-feng (
"It is clear that New Tide, which enjoys a close relationship with Su, wants Chen to transfer more power to the premier so that he can place more of their members in government positions," Shih said. "More [New Tide] members in the government means more resources for the presidential election."
By dismissing Ma, Lin, Tsai and Chang, Shih said that Chen had sent out a message that he was willing to compromise, but hoped the faction would show some restraint.
Tsai, a former New Tide member, oversaw matters of national defense for the council. His departure raised eyebrows because he only took up the post about three months ago.
Chang, who was responsible for matters of diplomatic affairs, is considered a supporter of Lu and reportedly does not get along with Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang (黃志芳).
While some New Tide faction members have proposed that Chen cease calling council meetings, Shih said this scheme was aimed at further marginalizing the president.
Commenting on Chen's decision to cease hiring presidential advisers and national policy counselors, Shih said that the president may have gone too far in righting a wrong.
However, Hsu Yung-ming (
"By pulling his men out of the castle, Chen can sit back and watch the party's heavyweights slug it out," he said. "The reshuffles at the Presidential Office are a strategy aimed at retreating in order to advance."
By continuing to serve at the council, Hsu said that Chiou would be free to concentrate on his job instead of diverting his energy into mapping out campaign strategies and campaigning for DPP members running for public office.
"Chiou serves as an umbilical cord between Chen and the New Tide faction," he said. "Chiou is one of the party's few well-rounded strategists -- a man that Chen cannot do without."
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