Cabinet Quits to Bolster Koizumi’s Reform Plans

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s Cabinet resigned en masse today, paving the way for him to name a new lineup in an effort to shore up his economic reform plans.

The 17 ministers handed in their resignations during a Cabinet meeting at Koizumi’s official residence. Koizumi was to name his new lineup later today, and they would then be formally approved by Emperor Akihito.

The shakeup was the first since Koizumi took office in April 2001. Most of his main ministers were expected to retain their posts, with the move seen more as a means for his administration to reaffirm its unity behind his fiscal policies.