PM SIGNALS CABINET SHAKE-UP

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000993 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR DRL S/CRS SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD STATE PASS AID FOR LAC/CAR INR/IAA TREASURY FOR MAUREEN WAFER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL HA SUBJECT: PM SIGNALS CABINET SHAKE-UP REF: PAP 848 ¶1. This message is sensitive but unclassified -- protect accordingly. ¶2. (U) Prime Minister Jacques Eduoard Alexis on May 29 remarked to the press that he had discussed changes in the cabinet with President Preval to improve the performance of the government. Speaking with journalists after testifying before the parliament regarding the government's supplemental budget proposal, Alexis said in part, "...there are things I wish were going better, and that's why I would like to effect change at the heart of the government..." "...I've discussed it with the President and I'm sure we'll arrive at a solution..." ¶3. (SBU) Comment. For several weeks The PM has talked in private, including in his discussions with the Ambassador, of an impending cabinet shake-up. We do not believe the PM would have raised so sensitive a subject in public, especially implying an endorsement from Preval, if he has not laid the groundwork for changes in the cabinet. May marks the one year anniversary of Preval's inauguration, and both government officials and commentators have spent much time on drawing the "bilan" (balance) of the Preval administration so far: a cabinet shuffle coming in the next few days would mark a natural outcome of this reflection. Alexis has given no further signal on who would stay and who would go. Speculation continues to center around the ministers of commerce, and health, whom many perceive are the worst performers. ¶4. (SBU) Comment Continued. The status of Justice Minister Magloire remains uncertain. Weakened as a result of the controversy regarding the circumstances of Judge Hughes St. Pierre's death (reftel),the minister, accompanied by most of his inner staff, appeared thoroughly worn down in answering questions on May 27 before the senate's justice commission. He did not give a credible accounting of his role in calling Pierre to Port-au-Prince -- he claimed that he did not summon St. Pierre, but rather his private secretary did so -- and stated he would resign if necessary. Preval and Alexis may prefer, however, to give the impression that changes in the government are their own initiative, rather than the result of attacks by their critics, and spare Magloire for now. SANDERSON