The Executive Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday failed to approve a bill that would redesign the administrative system due to opposition to an added clause that would allow a change in names of the new integrated ministries.
The government originally planned to submit the bill to the Diet after receiving approval from the Cabinet next Tuesday. The LDP will hold its Executive Council session again on Monday to discuss the issue.
The clause was included at the last minute Tuesday as a result of a compromise. Health and Welfare Minister Junichi Koizumi had demanded that the names of new ministries, which are stated in the final report of the Administrative Reform Council, are cumbersome and should be shortened. Koizumi threatened not to sign the bill if his request is not met. Since the Cabinet must be in full agreement before action is taken, his refusal is enough to suspend the plans to reorganize the whole government.