In ignoring the upper house and trying to gain power beyond parliament by a direct pitch to the people, Koizumi could be a dictator.

He was facing increasing opposition and was standing on very weak ground. So in that sense it was a godsend.

For the last two days, some people in the country were trying to create an impression that parliament was being misused for my benefit.

For the last two days, some people have been trying to create an atmosphere as if the Government and Parliament are being used to favor me. This has hurt me very much.

He's trying to dictate the terms of his departure. He's trying to get around the election law by forcing parliament to open.

A government that does not have a majority in parliament does not really hold power and that should be changed.