TOKYO, Oct. 25 (Kyodo) - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Thursday the recent growing opposition toward his structural reform programs shows he has made progress in implementing them during his first six months in office. "The fact that there is opposition means that effects are showing," Koizumi told reporters at his official residence. "As the resistance becomes stronger, I feel even more motivation to carry out reforms." Koizumi, who marks his first six months in office Friday, said the event that left him with the deepest impression since taking power was his decision in May not to appeal a landmark court ruling ordering the state to pay compensation to leprosy patients. "That was something people did not expect," he said. The ruling ordered the state to pay compensation to former leprosy patients confined in institutions under a government segregation policy. Koizumi, contrary to expectations, did not challenge the ruling, citing the need for a swift solution. He also said that since becoming prime minister, his day-to-day activities have changed tremendously. "I have no freedom. But I must place priority on my duties," he said.