Japan politics: Takaichi’s approval rating falls to lowest since taking office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s approval rating has fallen below 50 per cent for the first time since she took office in October last year, according to a Kyodo News Agency poll published on Sunday, amid criticism of her handling of a scandal involving her former agriculture minister.

 

The survey, conducted on 17 and 18 October, put support for Takaichi’s cabinet at 49.1 per cent.

Some 57.7 per cent of respondents said Takaichi had acted too late in replacing Kazuo Yana, who resigned as farm minister on Wednesday, while 81.5 per cent said it was right for him to step down, Kyodo reported.

Minister’s remarks spark backlash

Yana, appointed in a cabinet reshuffle in September, came under fire after local media reported earlier this month that he had suggested cutting road funding for municipalities that did not support him.

The comments drew widespread criticism, with opponents questioning whether public money was being used for political ends. Takaichi publicly reprimanded Yana in parliament before accepting his resignation.

Announcing his departure, Yana said he wanted to prevent the controversy from disrupting parliamentary debate and diverting attention from agricultural, forestry and fisheries policy.

Setback for Takaichi

The affair has raised questions over Takaichi’s judgement in choosing her ministers and her response to misconduct by senior officials. While the poll does not show the scandal was the sole cause of the drop, the decline marks a setback for the prime minister less than a year into her tenure.

Read more: 

• Thousands protest Japan's defence reforms as Takaichi's approval hits record low
• Russia protests to Japanese ambassador over PM Takaichi's 'anti-Russian' remarks
• Why China is driving Japan's biggest military buildup since World War II

Tags

News Politics Japan World elections