Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has indicated that he plans to reshuffle his Cabinet and name a new roster of top executives in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party when their current term expires next Monday.
Speaking to reporters traveling with him Monday to the Asia-Europe summit, Koizumi warned against speculation of a major reshuffle but hinted he may replace some of his economic ministers.
Koizumi, who doubles as LDP president, said he will not extend the one-year term of his top LDP executives and dismissed speculation he would attempt to ride his recent surge in the opinion polls by calling a snap general election.
"This is absolutely not something that is on my mind," he said.