(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-01 19:26

Fukuda, known as a compromiser, admitted it would be difficult pushing forward policies in parliament, after his ruling party's crushing defeat in the July upper house elections following a string of scandals, most of them involving questionable use of political funds.

"As head of the government, I plan to sincerely discuss important political issues with members of opposition parties," he said.

Fukuda also promised to establish a partnership with China and strengthen ties with South Korea.

With his "warmhearted politics," Fukuda struck a populist stance at home, distancing himself from Abe's ideology-based policy goals that included a revision of Japan's pacifist constitution to allow its military a greater global role, enhancing patriotism in education.

Fukuda vowed to tackle the government's loss of millions of pension records, provide assistance to rural areas left behind in the economic recovery, and deal with a rapidly aging and shrinking population.

Fukuda apologized for the paralysis parliament has suffered for several weeks following Abe's abrupt resignation, and promised to regain public faith in politics and the government.

"I've instructed all ministers to observe the law and ethics, and I will be extra-strict about my own actions," he said.

Opposition lawmakers were unimpressed, saying Fukuda's speech lacked specifics.

"However I look at it, I can't feel his resolve," said Yukio Hatoyama, secretary-general of the country's main opposition, the Democratic party of Japan.

"I think he has disappointed people who held any expectations in Fukuda's new Cabinet," Hatoyama said.

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