The announcement of a new Cabinet lineup Thursday marks a major turning point for President Lee Myung bak and the governing Grand National Party (GNP) in their try to spur economic recuperation and promote social integration, analysts say.One of the key characteristics of the new Cabinet is that it has become younger, reflecting Lee's push for political and economic reform. Of the seven ministers assign, including former Seoul National University president Chung Un chan, named the next Prime Minister, five are in their 40s and 50s. The average age of ministers will fall to 59 from the current 62.4 if all the nominations are sanctioned by the National Assembly.The comprehension of three GNP lawmakers Choi Kyung hwan, Yim Tah hee and Joo Ho young also came as a surprise.Recently, Lee has only one lawmaker turned minister Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Minister Jeon Jae hee."The GNP has requested more opportunities for lawmakers to come into the Cabinet as most presidential staff and ministers have little experience in politics," a GNP spokesman said. "The current reshuffle reflects these concerns and indicates Cheong Wa Dae will strengthen communication with the governing party in setting up a future course of action."Lee's choice of Rep. Choi, connected with former GNP Chairwoman Rep. Park Geun hye, also advise that he will reflect opinions from diverse political factions in managing state affairs. Some GNP officials said the decision means that Lee has offered an olive branch to Rep. Park to address physical conflicts ahead of the by elections next month."Considering Park's influence on her GNP colleagues, it will be almost impossible for the governing party to win the elections and overcome future political challenges," the spokesman said.Cheong Wa Dae officials said the reshuffle is also aimed at addressing regional and ideological divisions.Premier nominee Chung, a veteran economist, will interchange Han Seung soo to become the second prime minister since Lee's inauguration in February last year.Chung's appointment was largely unexpected as he had been touted as a potential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) for the next presidential race."Chung is the best choice for prime minister as he has rested neutral over ideological and regional conflicts," a presidential spokesman said. "We believe he will realise President Lee's goals of overcoming the economic crisis, stabilising the livelihood of common people and resolving political and ideological divisions."In his autobiography, published in 2007, Chung said he was a realist, adding he was neither a pro government person nor conservative. He picked Deng Xiao Ping as a perfect example of a leader for a country.
