DPP Aims for "Synchronization" of Party and Government

On July 21, Chen Shui-bian became the tenth-term chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party. In his remarks, he said that the DPP will take even greater responsibility for stabilizing the political situation. On one hand it will broaden its alliance with like-minded non-DPP forces. And it will take the initiative to break down barriers and animosity between the governing and opposition parties. He further proposed the idea of a "party leaders summit," in which he could meet with the leaders of other parties in his status as party chairman (rather than as national president) to create an even brighter future for Taiwan.

Chen emphasized that through "synchronization between party and government," the DPP would be able to play a role assisting government agencies, especially in the promotion of "political party diplomacy," promotion of cross-strait relations, and improvement of relations with opposition parties. Beyond government functions, in future the party could have an even more active role.

Also, many changes were made in the leadership of the DPP's functional departments. The following appointments have been confirmed: Legislator Luo Wen-chia as director of the Department of Information, legislator Hsiao Bi-khim as director of the Department of International Affairs, legislator Cho Jung-tai as director of the Department of Social Development, legislator Chen Tsung-yi as director of the Department of Youth, legislator Peng Tien-fu as director of affairs relating to mass movements, and Survey Center director Chen Chun-lin as special assistant to the party chairman. Most outgoing department and office directors have been demoted to assistant positions, in order to assist the incoming directors-most of who are full-time legislators-to handle the workload and promote continuity.

The DPP's "synchronization between party and government" will have two immediate effects: Premier Yu Shyi-kun will in the future make work reports to the DPP Central Standing Committee in his status as a member of the CSC, setting a precedent for having the premier appear before that body. Also, in future when the CSC discusses major government policy, it will call on high-ranking DPP-affiliated government officials to join its discussions; it will not call on non-DPP officials to attend CSC meetings.

In addition, President Chen will, in his status as party chairman, meet directly with members of the public in a "Hall of Democracy" on the first floor of the party headquarters. This recalls Chen's "date with the public" meetings when he was mayor of Taipei. In future top DPP leaders and DPP government officials will also be available there.

As for President Chen's idea for a "party leaders summit" responses have been mixed. KMT chairman Lien Chan criticized the summit idea as a "feudal concept" and said that Chen's call for inter-party harmony was nothing but a slogan. Lien believes that if there is genuinely to be a summit, then it must include discussion of when the DPP will eliminate from its party platform its advocacy of Taiwan independence. Lien said that when the time comes for sincere discussion, the DPP should not bring up "limiting conditions that obscure the issues."

People First Party chairman James Soong suggested that a summit meeting with "Chairman Chen" would imply a rejection on the part of the PFP of the constitutional principle of "one China." He said that to attend a summit of party leaders was not simply a choice for an individual political party, but had wider implications. The PFP would not take this step lightly.

Chen's summit proposal is also an expression of good will toward mainland China, because the summit idea includes the possibility of "party-to-party" contacts with the Chinese Communist Party. But the PRC doesn't appear to have picked up the hint. On the very day Chen became DPP party chairman, the PRC announced the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Nauru, an ROC diplomatic partner, which appeared to be a very hostile gesture.

The DPP administration has faced problems of inter-party strife and cross-strait hostility since taking office. All citizens hope "synchronization between party and government" can improve governance and close the gap between the parties and across the strait.