Most Japanese voters give cabinet thumbs-up
(Yomiuri Shimbun)
Updated: 2005-11-02 10:21

PM takes high hopes in stride

Koizumi responded to these high public expectations in a phlegmatic manner.

"The approval rate goes up sometimes and goes down sometimes. As time passes, it will go down," he said at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday evening.

Abe also held a press conference Tuesday, at which he said, "We should continue to work on our problems without becoming overjoyed or upset by the approval rate."

As for the strong public desire for structural reforms, some voices in the government have said the approval rate would nosedive if the government were to loosen the reins on reforms and were seen by the public as having made a compromise, according to government sources.

"I think it's an honor for me as a politician," Abe said about being chosen as the heir anointed. "I'd like to brush myself up more while asking myself if I really deserve it."

"He's young, he's had a solid career and he's got skills, so people expect something big from him. I want him to do his best." Koizumi said in encouragement of Abe.