Fukuda faces loads of challenges
Updated: 2007-09-26 10:45
Moderate Yasuo Fukuda easily won the vote for president of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.
Japan's new Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda faces daunting challenges both at home and abroad. His first order of business will be pushing a controversial anti-terrorist measure through Parliament, where the opposition has vowed to defeat it.
Fukuda has said he aims to assist rural areas, improve ties with Asia, and maintain Japan's pro-U.S. foreign policy by extending a naval mission.
But without the support from the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, or DPJ, many doubt he can succeed.
Ichiro Ozawa, leader of Democratic Party of Janpan, said: "As for the anti-terrorism legislation and the issue of Iraq, we clearly indicated to the people of Japan in our manifesto that we are against the idea as our basic principle on security. So I think the change of the Liberal Democratic Party cannot and does not change our position."
Ma Junwei, research fellow of China Inst. of Contemporary Int'l Rel., said“The DPJ has the power to stall certain important pieces of legislation in the parliament. It's been opposing the bill, because the naval operation lacks a direct UN imprimatur. Overcoming this obstacle will be Prime Minister Fukuda's first challenge."
Since 2001, Japan's navy has been providing fuel for US-led coalition forces in the Indian Ocean under its anti-terrorism law. And the U.S. -- Japan's top ally and protector -- has been pushing for an extension of the operation.
In order to maintain a pro-US policy, Fukuda's predecessor Shinzo Abe staked his job on pushing through the missions' extension. Abe hoped that his resignation could aid bipartisan passage of the bill.
Now the question is -- will the new prime minister do any better?
Ma Junwei said, "Fukuda, as an experienced politician, is confident. He's trying to forge a compromise with the opposition. But at the same time, it's unclear how long Fukuda will be able to stave off calls for Lower House elections. Political conflict at home has put the anti-terrorism bill at risk. That challenges Japan's alliance with the US, which is the basis for the country's security."
Observers see Fukuda as a symbol of stability after the uncertainty of the Abe administration. And stability is what Japan needs right now. Many hope the experienced politician and his new cabinet will soon get the country back on track.
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