Passing the fiscal 2010 budget and averting a double-dip recession will be the government's top priority heading into the new year, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Monday.
Speaking at his first news conference of 2010, Hatoyama said it is critical for the Cabinet to show the public that power has been put in its hands by making good on the government's pledges.
"2009 saw a once-in-a-century change of regime. We believe we are now at the starting line," Hatoyama said, adding he will work quickly to get high-priority projects up and running, including distribution of monthly child care allowances and scrapping tuition at high schools.