Former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa is likely to accept a request from Keizo Obuchi, newly elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to run the Finance Ministry, party sources said Tuesday.
Obuchi is expected to be named prime minister Thursday and to name his new Cabinet immediately afterward.
Obuchi told reporters Tuesday afternoon he wants Miyazawa to take the crucial post being made even more demanding by the nation's serious economic problems. "I think the post is of the greatest importance," Obuchi said. "I would like to meet with Mr. Miyazawa (today) to directly make the request."