Koizumi Enlivens Japan Race
Japan’s bruising battle for a new leader gained momentum after a renegade Cabinet minister joined two veteran politicians in the contest to replace resigning Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.
Junichiro Koizumi, the 55-year-old health and welfare minister who entered the race Saturday, is promising big tax cuts to boost the economy and a radical streamlining of government.
The outspoken lawmaker--who will compete against Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi, 61, and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama, 72--promises to shake up the leadership race.
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