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Japanese minister resigns over gaffe
Source: Agencies |
November 23, 2010, Tuesday
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JAPAN'S justice minister resigned yesterday over comments that made light of his duty to respond to questioning in parliament, a blow to the ruling Democratic Party as it struggles to keep Japan's fragile economic recovery alive.
Minoru Yanagida had said that as justice minister he only needed to remember two comments when facing questions from lawmakers: "I do not comment on specific cases," and "We are dealing with the matter appropriately based on law and evidence."
The remarks set off a firestorm of criticism from lawmakers, who demanded he step down from his post. The gaffe is the latest setback for Prime Minister Naoto Kan, whose plunging support in opinion polls has emboldened the political opposition.
The resignation doesn't threaten Kan's grip on power, but is likely to further erode public support for an administration already facing anger over his perceived weakness in handling recent diplomatic spats with China and Russia.
The political sparring in parliament has delayed progress on a US$61 billion financial stimulus package, even as deflation and a strong yen threaten the economy.
"It is my fault that I made those imprudent and joking comments, and I must apologize deeply," Yanagida said yesterday during a press conference to announce his resignation.
He said he decided to step down after meeting with Kan, who expressed concern about the debate holding up passage of the stimulus package, which includes financial support for small businesses and local economies. Over the weekend, Yanagida had said he intended to keep his post, despite the criticism.
Minoru Yanagida had said that as justice minister he only needed to remember two comments when facing questions from lawmakers: "I do not comment on specific cases," and "We are dealing with the matter appropriately based on law and evidence."
The remarks set off a firestorm of criticism from lawmakers, who demanded he step down from his post. The gaffe is the latest setback for Prime Minister Naoto Kan, whose plunging support in opinion polls has emboldened the political opposition.
The resignation doesn't threaten Kan's grip on power, but is likely to further erode public support for an administration already facing anger over his perceived weakness in handling recent diplomatic spats with China and Russia.
The political sparring in parliament has delayed progress on a US$61 billion financial stimulus package, even as deflation and a strong yen threaten the economy.
"It is my fault that I made those imprudent and joking comments, and I must apologize deeply," Yanagida said yesterday during a press conference to announce his resignation.
He said he decided to step down after meeting with Kan, who expressed concern about the debate holding up passage of the stimulus package, which includes financial support for small businesses and local economies. Over the weekend, Yanagida had said he intended to keep his post, despite the criticism.
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