Japan’s minister quits over drunken behaviour at G7
Japan's finance minister quit on Tuesday after triggering a political storm over his apparently drunken behaviour at a meeting of world powers on the global economic crisis.
By Agencies |
TOKYO: Japan's finance minister quit on Tuesday after triggering a political storm over his apparently drunken behaviour at a meeting of world powers on the global economic crisis.
Shoichi Nakagawa, a close ally of unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso, was incoherent and slurred his speech at a news conference on Saturday after the Group of Seven talks in Rome, prompting calls for his sacking. "I caused a lot of trouble due to my drinking. Considering my condition, I'm not in a mood to drink alcohol right now. There are many things I have to reflect on," Nakagawa told reporters after stepping down.
He said earlier he had sipped some wine with lunch but blamed jet lag and cold medicine for his drowsiness. Nakagawa, 55, said he would voluntarily check into hospital to rest after being diagnosed with a cold and fatigue. The debacle could hardly have come at a worse time for Aso, whose popularity had already slumped below 10%, according to one poll, battered by concerns over his handling of the economy and repeated gaffes.
Nakagawa initially said he would leave the post after key budget bills clear parliament, expected in the coming weeks. But the pressure for him to go was too great and hours later he had submitted his immediate resignation, forcing Aso to change finance ministers in the midst of a deepening recession in Asia's biggest economy. "He has been doing a good job as finance minister," Aso said. "I thought I had picked an excellent person, but ..."
The premier said he had chosen economics minister Kaoru Yosano, a free-market advocate, to take the additional post.
Shoichi Nakagawa, a close ally of unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso, was incoherent and slurred his speech at a news conference on Saturday after the Group of Seven talks in Rome, prompting calls for his sacking. "I caused a lot of trouble due to my drinking. Considering my condition, I'm not in a mood to drink alcohol right now. There are many things I have to reflect on," Nakagawa told reporters after stepping down.
He said earlier he had sipped some wine with lunch but blamed jet lag and cold medicine for his drowsiness. Nakagawa, 55, said he would voluntarily check into hospital to rest after being diagnosed with a cold and fatigue. The debacle could hardly have come at a worse time for Aso, whose popularity had already slumped below 10%, according to one poll, battered by concerns over his handling of the economy and repeated gaffes.
Nakagawa initially said he would leave the post after key budget bills clear parliament, expected in the coming weeks. But the pressure for him to go was too great and hours later he had submitted his immediate resignation, forcing Aso to change finance ministers in the midst of a deepening recession in Asia's biggest economy. "He has been doing a good job as finance minister," Aso said. "I thought I had picked an excellent person, but ..."
The premier said he had chosen economics minister Kaoru Yosano, a free-market advocate, to take the additional post.
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