Hashimoto Re-Elected

The re-election paves the way for the inauguration of the first Liberal Democratic Party government in more than three years.

Hashimoto won the vote for prime ministership in both houses of Parliament with the support of the LDPs two outgoing coalition partners the Social Democratic Party and new party Sakigake.

Hashimoto appointed Hiroshi Mitsuzuka, a veteran conservative politician, as his finance minister.

The finance ministry, under fire for policy missteps and scandals, is a prime target for reforms pledged by Hashimoto.

Mitsuzuka held a number of key cabinet and party posts in the 1980s, including a included a brief stint as foreign minister and a longer spell at the trade ministry.