L.Gantumur, the deputy chairman of the DP caucus, answered our correspondent’s questions about the caucus going into recess. (Caucus chairman Ch.Saikhanbileg is absent on official business.)

Q: Why did the caucus go into recess?

A: The DP caucus has participated in standing committee meetings, although it opposes the ministerial nominations. But MPP caucus chairman U.Enkhtuvshin stated at a press conference on Monday that the President has asked for transparency in the process. That is why the DP caucus has decided to take a recess.

Q: Some people say ministers should not be sitting MPs. But DP ministers have been MPs. What about that issue?

A: We should understand that when the coalition government was formed three years ago, there was no definitive decision on whether MPs should be ministers. The caucus has considered suggesting to Prime Minister S.Batbold that the government work according to a new principle of understanding. We should reform the structure, and the party that wins the 2012 parliamentary election should form the government according to that new principle.

Q: Why did the coalition government create the post of deputy prime minister?

A: Certainly there is criticism of the deputy prime minister’s post. The two parties decided to create the post because the prime minister was from the MPP and he could address issues with a deputy from the DP. This post was created for mutual understanding. But now it is not needed because the prime minister will consult with the MPP secretary general. The DP believes a deputy prime minister is not necessary now.

Q: How will MPs decide the issue of ministerial vacancies?

A: The DP caucus would approve ministerial nominations, if the MPP caucus would compromise with the president. The DP has no possibility of approving N.Khurelbaatar and D.Tsogtbaatar because the government would become a party apparatus. A secretary state of the ministry is a state official who spends the ministry’s budget because ministers have no rights to spend. The secretary state should serve the state but not a party. The DP protests the MPP decision and it will say so in Parliament. I believe the MPP will revise its decision.