By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
The Lee Myung-bak administration is expected to accelerate reform in the public sector and the economy after a Cabinet reshuffle early this year that may affect several ministers, vice ministers and presidential secretaries.
Analysts predict President Lee may offer some Cabinet posts to aides of former ruling party leader Park Geun-hye and those having served in key positions under the previous liberal governments in order to move his reform plans forward.
The by-elections, scheduled for April, are regarded as a confidence vote by the Lee administration and governing Grand National Party (GNP).
Lee faces a bumpy road ahead in winning broader public support for his reforms due to the deepening ideological divide over the government's plan to reform the broadcasting sector and secure early ratification of the Seoul-Washington free trade agreement.
``Through the planned Cabinet shakeup, Cheong Wa Dae aims to strengthen unity in the ruling camp ahead of the by-elections and gain momentum for economic and public sector reform,'' a presidential spokesman said. ``The administration will focus on revitalizing the economy with a stimulus package and helping companies fight the global economic recession throughout this year. New Cabinet members share this goal.''
In his New Year's message, President Lee called on the nation to unite in overcoming the economic crisis. Lee asked Koreans to show courage and hope in the face of the worsening economic crisis and strive to make it a source of new opportunity for the future.
``Let's make a new beginning with the belief that tomorrow will be far better than today. I am convinced that we will certainly be able to ride out the current crisis with each other's encouragement,'' he said.
The President recalled that the nation had overcome similar economic difficulty in the past through national unity.
Rumors have been circulating regarding the timing and scope of the Cabinet reshuffle. Many analysts expect Cheong Wa Dae to announce it this month or next at the latest.
According to the latest Korea Times survey, 32.7 percent of respondents said they want to see a Cabinet reshuffle sometime in January, while 21 percent said it should take place on or around Feb. 25, which marks the first anniversary of the Lee administration.
More than 40 percent said that if there is a reshuffle, President Lee should pick people from the opposition parties and even former top officials from previous administrations.