I am now being criticized (by the opposition) for being irresponsible for saying `I will not raise the consumption tax rate while I am in office,' ... But, when my successor does raise the consumption tax rate, it will not be simply a matter of being irresponsible. He will be criticized for raising the tax. |
I am ready to meet with him any time, |
I believe people have now said the bid (to privatize Japan Post) was correct, ... Without fearing pain (accompanying the reforms), without shying away from vested interests and without sticking to past practices, I will try my best to fulfill my duties as prime minister. |
I believe the results of this election reflect that we have changed, ... Though opposition may be strong, we will proceed with reforms. |
I confirmed that we would cooperate to work on this question. |
I do not believe North Korea will trample on the fundamental spirit of our Pyongyang agreement, |
I do not subscribe to this theory that China is a competitor, |
I don't hold that view at all, |
I don't think there are many Japanese citizens who are opposed to the government fighting against terrorism, |
I had hoped we would win a majority with our party alone, but we did even better than that, ... I thank the nation for its support and understanding. |
I have advocated postal reform for many years. The parliament said it was an absurd argument. The people have said it was the right thing, |
I have been pressing for wide-ranging structural reforms in areas such as finance, taxation, regulation and expenditure, in order to revive and move forward our country since I took office, |
I have been promoting structural reform until now, and I want to put it on a solid track. |
I have said I have no intention of staying on as party president and prime minister (beyond September 2006), and there is no change to that, |
I hope someone with the will to push forward the Koizumi reforms will become the next (LDP) president, |