Japan’s Kishida loses 4th minister
Reconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba’s departure indicates the leader’s low approval rating
Daily TribuneReconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba’s departure indicates the leader’s low approval rating
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan's reconstruction minister resigned on Tuesday over alleged financial improprieties, becoming the fourth minister to depart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet in just three months.
Reconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba, who is under fire over alleged illegal political payments to his aides, wife and mother, told reporters: "I believe there is no illegality in terms of my actions."
But "it is not my wish to see proceedings for the budget and other legislative agendas stall," he added.
His resignation comes as Kishida battles some of the lowest approval ratings of his tenure.
The public has become increasingly disillusioned with his cabinet after a string of scandals and revelations about ties between lawmakers and the Unification Church sect.
Akiba's firing comes after the minister for internal affairs resigned last month over alleged campaign finance irregularities.
That departure was preceded by the resignation of the justice minister, who stepped down after reportedly saying his "low-profile" job only generated media coverage when approving death penalty sentences.
