A structure that must be dissolved in 2007

The Japanese see, with regret, their Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi quit the political scene and its "magic" seduced them. Five and a half years in power have not worn "Magic Koizumi", who had announced, last year, its intention not to seek a third term at the head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the formation of Japanese right-wing majority. It had been delivered and draws its reverence to sixty-four years. Even flattering polls, which still crediting the 47 favorable opinion, did it not go back on its decision. Junichiro Koizumi today left the Presidency of the LDP for the benefit of Shinzo Abe, the dauphin, before his surrender, September 26, the Chair of Prime Minister.

In five and a half years, this charismatic leader precipitated the Japan in an era of change. Assessment of company bosses for his liberal discourse, Junichiro Koizumi focused its action on decentralization, deregulation and privatization. With his arm right and Finance Minister, Heizo Takenaka, he quickly pushed the financial community, forcing the banks to clean up their accounts and to eliminate bad debts. On the wreck in 2001, they are too widely beneficiaries in 2006 with completed portfolios. The same tandem has completed, in 2005, the highly sensitive reform of the post, so that its huge reserves go Fund profitable projects instead of large expensive work to policy makers.

On track for growth

More consensual, as dictated by the urgency of the ageing of the population, a first pension reform took place in 2004. But it must still be extended. And Junichiro Koizumi has set up industrial Revitalization Fund to assist firms in difficulty. A structure that must be dissolved in 2007.

If he was able to take advantage of the actions by his predecessor as well as the return to good economic conditions to put the Japan on the growth track, Junichiro Koizumi leaves however many intact building to his successor. Nothing, for example, was to implement a genuine pro-birth policy (see inquiry page 10). Similarly leaves-

t he a debt equivalent to 175 percent of GDP. Of course, cuts in public works programs and a policy of austerity helped to bring the budget deficit of 6.8 to 4.4 of GDP in three years. But critics accuse him of have not increased taxes to fill the holes. And its liberal policy greatly exacerbated social inequalities. "Junichiro Koizumi has not reformed much." "Reforms are mainly the work of enterprises and patterns," said Eisuke Sakakibara, a former Vice-Minister of finance. Critical, the ex - "Mr Yen" believes that "the reform of the public sector remains to be done."

These serious reserves have not yet begun Junichiro Koizumi's popularity. This great Communicator has been undoubtedly rely on media to enhance its action. A daily press conference, a talk-show evening mini, made him a hard tenant of the small screen and helped enhance the authority of the Prime Minister to the Japan. Its look offset, a nothing seductive admiration displayed for Elvis Presley for "heavy metal" Japanese, eventually shaping the image of a politician atypical, although descended from a family of politicians and pure product of the LDP.

A rejuvenated party

Junichiro Koizumi likes pushing things and private to do so within his own party. "Whatever the circumstance, he likes to meet with resistance, and he takes pleasure to overcome difficulties caused by opponents to his reforms," he said Kaoru Yosano, Minister of the economy and fiscal policy. The party was the first tool that he has shaped his hand. Cutting the grass under the foot of technocrats whose power, according to him, was too broad, Junichiro Koizumi quickly surrounded himself of experts from the private sector to implement its own policies. Similarly he rejected the chiefs who had control over appointments and gradually rejuvenated the ranks of the party, ousting the old guard and by return of young members.

Junichiro Koizumi was able to restore confidence to his compatriots. Even if sorrows minds criticize him to have won through the bad as the good of the former Japan.