Lee to reorganize presidential office, shake up Cabinet this week

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak will replace some of his staff
and Cabinet members this week in a reorganization that will also affect the prime
minister, his spokesman said Sunday.
Presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan said the reorganization of the presidential
staff will be announced Monday, while the Cabinet shakeup, will take place no
later than Friday.
"Currently, there are 3 to 4 candidates on the short list for the prime
minister's position," the spokesman said at a news briefing. The concept for the
nomination and confirmation is expected to be based on bringing national unity
and harmony, as well as moral bearings."
The spokesman made it clear that the first government reorganization since the
president took office 18 months ago will affect Prime Minister Han Seung-soo.
A senior presidential secretary, also briefing reporters separately, disclosed
that a female candidate was on the list of candidates to replace the outgoing
prime minister.
In South Korean politics, the prime minister is a largely ceremonial post and has
no decision-making power.
Political analysts believe that the upcoming shakeup, which has been anticipated
for months, is not expected to bring any major shift in government policies,
including its get-tough policy toward North Korea.
The presidential spokesman said the planned Cabinet shuffle would be smaller than
expected and may include lawmakers from the ruling Grand National Party. Ruling
camp officials have been talking about a "medium-width" shakeup.
South Korea's Cabinet is made up of 15 ministers.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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