Embattled Taiwanese President Cedes Some Of His Powers
Yvonne Lee - All Headline News Staff Reporter Taiwan (AHN) - Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian gives up some of his powers in an effort to stem a political crisis that erupted over a corruption scandal involving his son-in-law. BBC News reports Mr. Chen will cede control of the cabinet to the prime minister and will not participate in political campaigning. A spokesman for the president says he will keep control over foreign and defense policy, as well as oversee relations with China. A week ago, Mr. Chen's son-in-law was arrested on suspicion of illegal share trading. Opposition politicians called for the president to resign after the story about Chao Chien-ming was publicized. Leader of the opposition Nationalist party Ma Ying-jeou says the president's ceding of powers is not enough. He says, "If he could not win people's hearts, what is the point of continuing his presidency?" The opposition is attempting to put together enough votes in the Legislature to recall the president. However, it is still 30 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed.
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