Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi strongly suggested Friday that he will retain Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda as his top spokesman if, as expected, he is re-elected president of the LDP this weekend.
Koizumi said Fukuda is "a person who cannot be replaced," when asked by reporters if Fukuda's continued cooperation in his current position is necessary.
The election takes place Saturday, and Koizumi is likely to form a new Cabinet on Monday.