">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Japan finmin to quit over "drunk" claim
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Japan finmin to quit over "drunk" claim
Reuters - 1 hour 4 minutes ago
By Yuzo Saeki
ADVERTISEMENT
TOKYO - Japanese Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said on Tuesday he would resign after being forced to deny he was drunk at a G7 news conference, dealing a fresh blow to unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso in an election year.
But Nakagawa's offer to quit after parliament passed budget bills -- a process that could take weeks -- failed to satisfy the government's junior coalition partner and an emboldened opposition, which both demanded he quit immediately.
Aso was leaning towards appointing Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano to succeed Nakagawa, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.
But analysts said the political stalemate would drag on and raise questions over what was being done to lift Japan out of its worst economic slump since the 1974 global oil crisis.
The fuss over Nakagawa's behaviour at the G7 news conference comes as Aso's public support is plummeting -- below 10 percent in one recent survey -- ahead of an election that must be held no later than October.
"It's extremely damaging politically for Aso. Nakagawa is saying he will quit after the budget and related bills pass parliament but, I'm not sure whether the cabinet itself would last that long. Aso might be forced to quit before that," said Koichi Haji, chief economist at NLI Research Institute.
"With Nakagawa quitting, the government lacks a person in charge to come up with further steps to support an economy that is worsening sharply."
Kyodo said Economics Minister Yosano, 70, would keep his current post and also take over Nakagawa's other portfolio in charge of banking supervision. Yosano came second after Aso in a leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in September, and has since been a linchpin of the administration.
Pressure grew on Aso to fire Nakagawa immediately.
The government's junior partner, the New Komeito Party, wanted Nakagawa to resign immediately, Japanese broadcaster NHK said. The support of New Komeito is vital for the coalition to keep its two-thirds majority in parliament's lower house.
Opposition Democratic Party of Japan executive Kenji Yamaoka said Nakagawa should quit now. Opposition parties later submitted a censure motion against Nakagawa to the upper house, which the opposition controls. Such motions are non-binding.
"CARELESS HEALTH MANAGEMENT"
Nakagawa said he would resign after budget legislation was passed by the lower house, although the exact timing of his departure was unclear.
"I have caused trouble to the people," Nakagawa told a news conference where he announced his resignation. "I apologise for causing commotion from my careless health management."
At the Group of Seven news conference in Rome, Nakagawa slurred his words and appeared to fall asleep at one point.
He says he had not done more than sip some wine before the news conference and cold medicine had affected his behaviour.
Aso is trying to pass an extra budget for the fiscal year ending on March 31 as well as a record 88.5 trillion yen budget for the year to March 2010 to help stimulate the economy, now sinking deeper into recession.
Aso had asked his close ally Nakagawa to stay in his post on Monday, a move that had backfired, analysts said.
"Aso thought he could help Nakagawa, and his initial reaction added misjudgement to the terrible humiliation. It's going to further undermine Aso's credibility," said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.
Media polls show the Democrats have a good shot at ousting Aso's LDP this year, ending more than 50 years of almost unbroken rule.
About the only bit of good news for Aso was an invitation to meet new U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on February 24.
Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it would make Aso the first foreign leader to meet Obama at the White House. Aso had accepted, Japanese officials said.
One budget-related bill is stuck in the upper house while the budget for the 2009/10 fiscal year, which starts on April 1, is being debated in the lower house.
Annual budgets typically are enacted by the end of March but this year's could be stalled by the political fuss.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Clinton calls for coordinated economic responseReuters - 1 hour 9 minutes ago
Japanese PM to be first Obama guestAP - 1 hour 16 minutes ago
Khmer Rouge genocide trial opens in CambodiaAP - 1 hour 25 minutes ago
Clinton says US committed to ridding NKorea of nukesAFP - 1 hour 40 minutes ago
Malaysia: Woman legislator quits over nude photosAP - 2 hours 8 minutes ago
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Earth-like planets in our galactic neighborhood
Seductive chemicals hidden in sloppy kisses
AIDS: 'Major advance' seen in revolutionary gene therapy
Climate change could be even worse than feared
Mexico wins new kissing record
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 17 February 2009 Madonna, Guy Ritchie File Joint Custody In New York
Khmer Rouge torture chief regretful on eve of trial
| International
|
Online File Sharing Site Founders Face Trial Over Allegedly Breaking Swedish Copyright Laws
Israeli govt to consider Hamas prisoner swap, truce
| International
|
Hague tribunal accepts new Karadzic indictment
| International
|
Pirate Bay copyright test case begins in Sweden
| Technology
|
Mobile industry highlights positives amid gloom
| Technology
|
New York Gov. Paterson Under Fire For Staff Pay Raises
TRG Adds 550 Jobs To West Virginia Call Centers
Feb 16 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Hong Kong woman's airport hysterics an online hit
| Technology
|
Lawyer Shortage Hits Local Federal Prosecutors' Offices
Web-based program improves diabetics' self care
| Technology
|
Major Storm Brings Snow, Heavy Rain To Southern California
Chrysler President Forecasts 10 Million Auto Sales In The U.S. For 2009
Salma Hayek, Francois-Henri Pinault wed in France
| Entertainment
|
Italian Minister Pushes For Surgical Castration Of Rapists
Blood Pressure Medication May Reduce Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Japan finance minister to quit in blow to PM Aso
| International
|
Bottom-up approach needed in Afghanistan: report
| International
|
Sudan, Darfur rebel faction in first step to talks
| International
|
Killing Fields torturer on trial in Cambodia
| International
|
Court recognizes French role in deporting Jews
| International
|
Muslim TV Station Exec Charged, Detained For Beheading Wife
Three Texas Schools In Lockdown Before Suicidal Dad Could Say Goodbye To Student
Freescale aims to sell Google Android netbooks in Q2
| Technology
|
Pakistani Militants Delay Execution Of American Hostage
Hillary Clinton's First State Trip To Asia Meets North Korean Defiance
SanDisk enlists mobile carriers in memory card drive
| Technology
|
Scientists Explore 1,300-Year-Old Pit Homes Near Las Vegas
Taiwan's Acer dials up smartphones for growth
| Technology
|
Justin Timberlake named most stylish man in America
| Entertainment
|
American Idol to take on Lost
| Entertainment
|
Nine Inch Nails to tour with Jane's Addiction
| Entertainment
|
Rap mogul Suge Knight injured in fracas
| Entertainment
|
British soldier killed in Afghanistan: ministry
Escaped French prisoners captured: ministry
Obama offers support for Turkey-Iraq relationship
Czech lawmakers prepare Lisbon Treaty vote
Israel cautions anew against a nuclear-armed Iran
British, French nuclear subs collide in Atlantic: officials
GM, Chrysler race to meet restructuring deadline
Livni: Give up parts of 'Land of Israel'
EU could move against budget deficits: commissioner
Israel to consider Hamas prisoner swap and truce
Oscars guessing game goes online
EU foiled in bid to force France, Greece to allow GM crop
Israel honours German officer from "The Pianist"
US-TECH Summary
Taiwan's Acer dials up smartphones for growth
Iran moves to boost its air defense capabilities
SanDisk enlists mobile carriers in memory card drive
Freescale aims to sell Google Android netbooks in Q2
Petraeus flies into Uzbekistan for talks: officials
Facebook reassures users in wake of service terms change
NY governor proposes Internet tax on downloads
iPhone application helps Blackjack cheaters
Taiwan's Acer moves into mobile phones
Mobile phone operators to boost 'chat' services
Clinton calls for coordinated economic response
Trade to top Obama agenda in first foreign trip
SanDisk enlists mobile carriers in memory card drive
Japanese PM to be first Obama guest
Crippled US auto firms to report on restructure plans
Khmer Rouge genocide trial opens in Cambodia
Taiwan's Acer moves into mobile phones
Mexico urges 'firm' US moves on trafficking
Clinton says US committed to ridding NKorea of nukes
First solar-powered phone goes on display
Japan finmin to quit over "drunk" claim
Pelosi says U.S. won't press allies on Guantanamo inmates
Microsoft, Nokia hit back at Apple with virtual stores
Malaysia: Woman legislator quits over nude photos
Three Texas Schools In Lockdown Before Suicidal Dad Could Say Goodbye To Student
Newest US troops in dangerous region near Kabul
Radio Signals Provide Evidence Of 1,300-Year-Old Pit Homes In Las Vegas
Clinton warns NKorea on missile launch
China tycoon's mistress contest ends in tragedy: report
Police maintain order in central China after clash
Chinese president says economic crisis deepening
South Korean won falls 1.9 pct vs dollar
Seoul shares close at 3-wk low; techs, banks fall
Young Hollywood hits Fashion Week amid tough times
S.Korea T-bond futures tumble on won, extra budget
Seoul shares extend falls, down 4 pct
Hyundai says claims made against IPIC units valid
South Korea dismisses talk of FX crisis
Korea Hot Stocks
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Japan's finance minister to resign over slurred speech
3rd time's a charm: Met gives winning 'Trovatore'
"American Idol" to take on "Lost"
China to boost graduate migration in jobs drive: state media
Nine Inch Nails to tour with Jane's Addiction
Justin Timberlake named most stylish man in America
India's multiplex boom could be The End for single screens
'The Reader' puts Holocaust back in Oscars spotlight
Rap mogul "Suge" Knight injured in fracas
Young Hollywood hits Fashion Week amid tough times
Salma Hayek, Francois-Henri Pinault wed in France
Complaints will not affect Iraq election result
Sudan and Darfur rebels agree to hold peace talks
Israel engaged in covert war inside Iran: report
| International
|
Lady GaGa To Give Her "Raunchiest" Ever Performance On Wednesday's BRIT Awards
German FM in Iraq as Europe joins rebuilding effort
Sudan, Darfur rebels agree to hold peace talks
| International
|
Lil Wayne Faces $1.3 Million Lawsuit For Cancelled Gig
German foreign minister arrives in Baghdad
Darfur rebel group signs accord
NATO says Pakistan deal with militants a concern
| International
|
Rap Music Mogul Suge Knight Hospitalized After Early Morning Brawl
Israel seen engaged in covert war inside Iran
Michael Phelps Dodges Bong Charges Over Lack Of Evidence
Seaborne gunmen attack Equatorial Guinea capital
| International
|
Iraqi women get posts, but want power and respect
Kosovo leader marks anniversary with Serbia warning
| International
|
British soldier killed in Afghanistan
Zimbabwe court charges MDC official for plot
| International
|
Britons on trial over airliner bomb plot
| International
|
French 'spider-man' scales skyscraper in HK
US backs Japan on NKorea, invites PM to White House
Nokia to sell phones with Skype software
| Technology
|
Iraqi shoe-thrower goes on trial Thursday
Nokia and Qualcomm tie up after years in court
| Technology
|
Microsoft in talks to buy Israel's 3DV: report
| Technology
|
Bill Gates grant to extend mobile banking to poor
NASA Looking For A New Administrator
The Economic Stimulus And How It May Affect Americans
New products show rivals playing catch-up with Apple
Acco Brands Reduce Employee Pay To Avoid Lay Offs
Nokia to sell phones with Skype software
Low-Income Housing Project Designed To Reduce Energy Costs By 30% Opens In Bronx
Mobile phone makers agree to create standard charger
Large Inventories Hobble Businesses, Particularly Carmakers
Cyberattacks On U.S. Government Computer Networks Up 40 Percent In 2008
Report: Justice Department Removes Prosecutors In Ted Stevens Corruption Case
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso To Be Obama's First Foreign Guest At White House
Coleman Asks Court To Reconsider Ruling; Franken Meets With Mayors As 'Senator-Elect'
Nokia to sell phones with Skype software
GM Seeks Cut In Retiree Health Care To Ensure Financial Lifeline With Federal Government
Oscar voters wrestle with best actor choice
| Entertainment
|
Coldplay and Duffy lead field on eve of BRITs
| Entertainment
|
Afghan TV set to unveil model contest
| Entertainment
|
UN: Afghan civilian deaths rose 40 percent in 2008
"Killing Fields" torturer on trial in Cambodia
Japan finance chief quits over alleged drunkenness
Swiss hostage: Philippines ordeal now "difficult"
Khmer Rouge genocide trial opens in Cambodia
China bans actors from medical shows
Pakistani stocks end 1 pct higher; rupee weakens
Coldplay and Duffy lead field on eve of BRITs
Tamil MPs say Sri Lanka ignoring civilian safety
Japan's finance minister quits over G7 debacle
Police: Rap producer injured in Ariz. hotel fight
Mobile phone makers promise standardised charger
Australia wildfire death toll reaches 200
"Withnail and I" farmhouse sells at auction
ADB blacklists 41 firms, 38 people for corruption
Race, class fuel social conflict on French Caribbean islands
US fund withdraws bid for bigger Sapporo stake
Islamic TV founder charged with beheading wife: reports
Taiwan regulator to ease rules on fundraising
A rebellious Marc Jacobs smirks at economic crisis
Thailand approves fund to help tourism operators
Ice boating: extreme speed sport in Poland's lake district
Taiwan dlr at 5-1/2-yr low on econ outlook, c.bnk
Ticket to flirt: Germans aim to get love life 'on track'
China shares fall back on profit-taking
Muslim TV Station Exec Arrested, Charged With Beheading Wife
Beaver Found Living In Detroit River For First Time In Almost 100 Years
"Smash-Me Bernie" Doll A Hit At New York Toy Fair
Chinese Man With 5 Mistresses Loses Big After Staging Mistress Elimination Contest
Woman Hospitalized In Critical Condition After Chimp Attack At Friend's House
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights