Japan PM stands by gaffe-prone minister
Source: Agencies |
December 6, 2011, Tuesday
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JAPANESE Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stood by his defense minister yesterday, despite mounting calls for his resignation over a series of gaffes, potentially complicating the task of passing a tax and social security reform in a split parliament.
Noda, Japan's sixth premier in five years, has seen his popularity ratings slip in the three months he has been in office, in part because of his endorsement of tax hikes and in part a result of blunders by senior government officials.
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa came under attack after an official from his ministry last week likened plans to relocate a US Marines airbase in Okinawa to rape, sparking anger in the southern island and prompting opposition parties to agree on submitting a censure motion against Ichikawa.
Ichikawa himself later drew criticism for admitting he did not know the details of a 1995 Okinawa rape case, in which a 12-year-old girl was assaulted by three US servicemen, stoking anti-US base sentiment on the island.
"There is no way to defend (the official's comments). I offer my deepest apology," Noda told parliament, referring to the ministry official's remarks. "As for Minister Ichikawa, I want him to straighten up and fulfil his duty."
Noda is in a bind because keeping Ichikawa will alienate opposition lawmakers, whose support is necessary to pass bills, while letting him go would weaken his government.
He needs opposition backing to pass an unpopular plan to raise the sales tax to fund Japan's creaking social security system and rein in public debt.
Noda, Japan's sixth premier in five years, has seen his popularity ratings slip in the three months he has been in office, in part because of his endorsement of tax hikes and in part a result of blunders by senior government officials.
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa came under attack after an official from his ministry last week likened plans to relocate a US Marines airbase in Okinawa to rape, sparking anger in the southern island and prompting opposition parties to agree on submitting a censure motion against Ichikawa.
Ichikawa himself later drew criticism for admitting he did not know the details of a 1995 Okinawa rape case, in which a 12-year-old girl was assaulted by three US servicemen, stoking anti-US base sentiment on the island.
"There is no way to defend (the official's comments). I offer my deepest apology," Noda told parliament, referring to the ministry official's remarks. "As for Minister Ichikawa, I want him to straighten up and fulfil his duty."
Noda is in a bind because keeping Ichikawa will alienate opposition lawmakers, whose support is necessary to pass bills, while letting him go would weaken his government.
He needs opposition backing to pass an unpopular plan to raise the sales tax to fund Japan's creaking social security system and rein in public debt.
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