Prime Minister Takaichi mentions Yan's promotion and resignation: ``If there is any illegality, make an immediate decision'' - Opposition parties demand voluntary resignation

At the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the 13th, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the issue of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kazuo Yan's comment that he had "cut" the road budgets of local governments whose leaders did not support him in the House of Representatives election. "Please accept that this is inappropriate. I will think carefully about whether or not I should be allowed to run the government," he said.

Prime Minister Takaichi ``refrains from commenting'' on Mr. Yan's bus suspicions

The prime minister has indicated his intention to continue in the post, and this is the first time he has mentioned the possibility of his removal. Opposition parties stepped up their offensive, demanding his resignation.

Regarding the suspicion that Yan's campaign violated the Public Offices Election Act by transporting supporters on free buses during the House of Representatives election, the prime minister said, ``I don't know the full story,'' but clarified that ``If there is any illegality, I will not hesitate.'' He expressed his intention to make an immediate decision if it is determined that it violates the law.

Regarding the budget cut comment, he pointed out, ``He made an inappropriate comment, and his subsequent response was also very poor.'' They took issue with the delay in retracting and apologizing.

Komeito's Policy Research Chairman Hiromasa Nakano and Shinichi Isa, as well as Democratic Reform Party's Tatsumaru Yamaoka, responded to questions about their responsibility for appointing the prime minister.

Mr. Yan responded, ``There is no fact that I asked for a reduction in the budget.I am ashamed of my bad faith and apologize.'' Regarding the suspicion of violation of the Public Elections Act, he explained, ``This is not a benefit or donation.We are dealing with it appropriately in accordance with the law,'' indicating that there is no problem.

Regarding whether the decision violates the Public Elections Act, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference, ``It should be determined on a case-by-case basis.''

At a press conference, Democratic Party of Japan representative Yuichiro Tamaki called for an early resolution of the matter through Yan's resignation, saying, ``I want it to be resolved quickly and gracefully.'' Democratic Reform Secretary-General Takeshi Kai also mentioned to reporters that the House of Councilors is considering submitting a resolution of censure, and said, ``You can recuse yourself (before submitting it).''