Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda vowed yesterday to fight price hikes and boost cooperation with Asian countries, as he attempted to breathe new life into his government after a Cabinet reshuffle.
Fukuda called the first meeting of his new Cabinet members after they were sworn in by Emperor Akihito at the imperial palace, government officials said.
“I will firmly take emergency measures for people who are seriously affected by abnormal oil prices,” Fukuda said in a statement.
“I will also carry out flexible economic management by closely watching prices of commodities,” he said.
Fukuda named a new Cabinet filled with heavyweights on Friday, vowing to jumpstart a lackluster economy in a last-ditch bid to revive waning public support.
The popularity of the 72-year-old centrist has plunged since he took over last September as voters have been left feeling worse off than a year ago because of rising global oil and food prices.
On the diplomatic front, Fukuda said: “Based on the firm alliance between Japan and the US, I will contribute to the formation of open diplomacy in order to work together with Asia-Pacific countries.”
Fukuda also renewed his promises to pressure North Korea to give up its nuclear programs and continue the country’s commitment to “the war on terror.”
Japanese dailies yesterday urged the prime minister to exercise strong leadership in carrying out reforms and tackling price hikes.
Japan’s economy stands “at the brink of a recession” due to soaring prices of oil and food, while drastic reform of social security, tax and state finance systems must be made without delay, the Yomiuri Shimbun said in an editorial.
“We hope he will tackle pressing policy issues head on and show bold leadership when implementing policy,” the mass-circulation daily said.
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