Japanese leader names new cabinet
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi named a new Cabinet today, putting outspoken conservatives – and potential successors – in top positions and retaining his economic team.
Koizumi, who has said he will step down at the end of his term next September named right-leaning Shinzo Abe as his top government spokesman and Public Management Minister Taro Aso as foreign minister.
The popular prime minister was expected to put his favourites for next premier in leading positions.
He also was expected to favour supporters of his reform agenda, including the privatisation of the postal service.
