Government Announces No Major Seat Cabinet Reshuffle

On the subject of whether or not the major figures of the leading Open Uri Party are to be appointed as cabinet members, such as Chief Jung Dong-young and Parliamentary Leader Kim Kuen-tae, Chong Wa Dae disclosed on April 2 that “a reshuffling of the cabinet will not be carried out.” That proves the different standpoints between Chong Wa Dae and the leading party, which is in utter confusion due to the rumor of a reshuffling of the cabinet.

--Chong Wa Dae: “No particular reshuffle will be carried out.”

A high level official in Chong Wa Dae stated on this day that “just after the end of the election, various advance rumors have been stirred up in the Open Uri Party about a cabinet reshuffling. But, with the authority to suspend the president, how can Chong Wa Dae drive forward with such a big shake-up?” He added that “no particular reshuffle will be carried out.”

This official remarked that “The four major ministers, such as the financial and economy minister, who currently takes charge of the duties of deputy prime minister, the science and technology minister, the government administration and home affairs minister, the chief of the government policy coordination office, and the presidential policy coordinator were arranged by President Roh, who considered the post-election situation at the first stage of his regime.” He played down the conflict the reshuffle stirred in the parts of leading party, saying “There is no possibility that the figures from the political world will be appointed at such seats of government.”

It means that as the Financial Minister Lee Hun-jae, and the Science and Technology Minister, Oh Myung, were appointed based on the “large draft” of President Roh’s national administration, it cannot be altered, and the government administration and home affairs minister, and the chief of government policy coordination office, whose authority have been strengthened as those two play a role of a bridge between Chong Wa Dae and the government, are out of the focus of a reshuffle.

“A rumor with specified names of governmental departments being circulated is not appropriate for this political situation as the impeachment case has not been wrapped up yet, and it could exert a bad influence on the national administration,” stated a spokesperson of Chong Wa Dae, Yoon Tae-young.

--Jung Dong-young is to remain, Kim Kuen-tae to join the cabinet.

The rumor of a cabinet reshuffle seems to have been finished off with the finalized opinion, “Jung remains behind, Kim joins a cabinet.”

The Uri’s parliamentary leader, Kim, who is known to have visited President Roh at the end of last month, was suggested to be appointed as the Unification Minister, and Kim fixed his mind to make inroads into the government. One of Kim’s close associates said, “Though it would be much better for Kim to act as a leader of the majority party with 152 assemblymen, he cannot ignore Roh’s intention as he still has the future with President Roh.”

Though Uri’s Chief Jung is also considering whether or not to join the cabinet for some time, he is likely to remain behind as party as a chief. Chong Wa Dae has also given an ultimatum to Jung, but it has been disclosed that Chong Wa Dae has also decided that the best way to lead the Uri Party properly is through chief Jung, who can maintain the identity of party as “pragmatic reformists,” with its prosperity.

Young-Hae Choi Yong-Gwan Jung yhchoi65@donga.com yongari@donga.com