Prime Minister Taro Aso's choices for finance and economic ministers failed to impress economists Wednesday, who said they are not likely to take bold measures to shore up an economy threatened by the global economic downturn.
A lack of reformists in the new Cabinet, as well as its anticipated short life span, has raised concerns among economists that Aso will only carry out conservative steps with a short-term effect on the economy.
"It is clear that the lineup does not include reformers or people who are reform-minded," said Hideki Hayashi, chief economist at Shinko Securities Co.