Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi called for understanding and support for the fiscal structural reforms by the central and local governments and explained his approach to strengthen the administrative and fiscal foundation of local governments by promoting consolidation of municipalities and transfer of tax sources. He further stated his policy that all that can be accomplished by the private sector should be left its hands, and all that can be delegated to local governments, should be delegated to them. He once again stressed the need for structural reform, bearing in mind the compilation of next year's budget and other issues.