Mixed feelings of Japanese about Fukuda win
Updated: 2007-09-25 16:23
Many Japanese people have mixed feelings about Yasuo Fukuda's victory. Fukuda has vowed to bring changes to the country and some people hope the veteran politician can restore public confidence in the ruling party and the government. Others are taking a wait-and-see attitude.
Sunday's elections were broadcast live on Japanese national television and were closely followed by the public. Fukuda's victory has given new hope to many Japanese.
Nobukazu Suzuishi, a Tokyo resident, said, "Japanese politics are in a mess right now and I am hoping that Fukuda will be able to bring the situation at least back to normal."
The 71-year-old politician was chief cabinet secretary for two governments.Tokyo residents hold split opinions about his age and experience.
Another Tokyo resident said, "Since Koizumi, it appears the LDP party has been trying to bring in young leaders. But, compared to Abe, Fukuda is much older. But for the sake of taking leadership, we may be able to expect more from him."
A Tokyo resident, Tomofumi Awada said, "I don't really hold much hope for Fukuda. Koizumi arrived on the scene a few years ago because the people were looking for a change from the old LDP ways, but now I think politics will return to those times."
Despite the changes Fukuda has promised, analysts say he's bound to continue promoting one of Shinzo Abe cabinet's priorities. That is Japan's naval mission in the Indian Ocean in support of US-led forces in Afghanistan. At his first news conference as LDP president, Fukuda said Japan must continue the fight against terrorism.
Yasuo Fukuda said, "The existing law expires on the 1st of November but if we consider introducing a new law, there is a great possibility of continuing the activity. It is important to express Japan's message and willingness to the international community, unless we want to be perceived as a country that just gave up."
Fukuda has also vowed to concentrate on down-to-earth domestic issues such as economic equality and growth.
Fukuda has pledged to revitalize rural regions and other sectors hurt by reforms begun under Koizumi. But he has also acknowledged limits on government spending. Japan has a public debt equivalent to one-and-a-half times its gross domestic product.
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