National News

Koizumi reshuffles his Cabinet

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his Cabinet on Oct. 31 and gave key posts to three possible contenders to succeed him in the country's top job.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his new Cabinet

The three candidates for Koizumi's job are deputy LDP Secretary General Shinzo Abe, who was appointed chief Cabinet secretary; Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Taro Aso, who received the foreign minister's portfolio; and Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, who has been reappointed.

Abe, who enjoys wide public popularity because of his hardline stances on diplomatic issues, has long been seen as the front runner.

Meanwhile, Koizumi has warned his Cabinet that they must be careful what they say - a reference to Justice Minister Seiken Sugiura.

Sugiura, a former practicing lawyer, had said earlier he would not sign execution orders due to "matters of my heart, religion and philosophy," but was later forced to withdraw his remarks.

The question of whether a justice minister will sign execution orders is always the focus of public attention. (The Japan Times)

Shukan ST: Nov. 11, 2005

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