Why did Kato fail?
Koizumi: He was too optimistic. Is he dead as a politician? I’m not sure. As a friend, I understand his feelings, but his means were wrong. He took actions that were hard to understand. If he had said he would leave the party and support the no-confidence motion, then his actions could be understood. Or if he had said he’d support the motion even if it meant expulsion from the LDP. But he didn’t. TIME: So what’s the fallout of the revolt? Koizumi: The current stagnant situation will continue for a long time, and there will be various attempts to force Mori out until the Upper House election next year. TIME: What are your relations with Hiromu Nonaka [LDP secretary-general and chief powerbroker] like? Koizumi: Not bad. We agree on supporting Mori, but we’re different when it comes to policy. He’s adamantly opposed to privatizing the postal system. TIME: The public does not support Mori — and are behind Kato. Why is there such a gap between the public will and the LDP? Koizumi: Either p
