Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan Yan's statement shows no signs of calming down, calls for resignation from Liberal Democratic Party

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yan's statement that he had "significantly cut" the road budgets of local governments whose mayors did not support him in the House of Representatives election has been criticized even within the ruling party. There were also concerns that the response was delayed. The opposition parties have indicated that they are poised to submit a resolution to censure Mr. Yan, and there is no hope that the situation will subside. Some within the Liberal Democratic Party are beginning to view his resignation as inevitable.

``First of all, there should be a greeting that says, ``I'm sorry to bother you.'' It's a question of people's pride.'' When Yan announced his determination to become Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at a party meeting related to agricultural policy on the 9th, House of Councilors member Muneo Suzuki criticized him harshly.

Mr. Suzuki took issue with Mr. Yan's initial response, saying, ``If he had done it (with a retraction and apology) first, nothing would have happened.'' Mr. Yan stood up again and was forced to bow his head and say, ``I sincerely apologize.''

Behind Suzuki's rebuke is widespread criticism within the Liberal Democratic Party. A veteran Liberal Democratic Party pointed out, ``The moment you ask the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism about the individual budget, you're out.'' One former member of the Abe faction mentioned that Mr. Yan was one of the members involved in the slush fund issue, and said, ``Voters are bringing up the slush fund issue again, which is causing trouble.''

The criticism from the Nippon Ishin no Kai is also growing stronger. Representative Hirofumi Yoshimura (Governor of Osaka Prefecture) told reporters on the 9th, ``It's not something that many people can agree with,'' expressing his recognition that Yan's explanation was insufficient.

The problem surrounding Mr. Yan is not just his ``budget cut'' remarks. Shukan Bunshun, released on the 8th, reported on an alleged violation of the Public Offices Election Act by Yan's camp for transporting supporters from a temporary parking lot to the campaign venue on a free shuttle bus during the House of Representatives election. At a press conference on the 9th, Yan was pressed for an explanation, saying, ``I would like to explain the matter as soon as it is sorted out.''

In response, opposition parties will step up their offensive in the House of Councilors, where the ruling party continues to lack a majority. On the 9th, the chairmen of the House of Councilors Country Relations Committee of the six opposition parties confirmed that they would not respond to Mr. Yan's opinion hearing at the House of Councilors Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee. They also agreed to consider submitting a resolution to censure Mr. Yan. Yoshitaka Saito, chairman of the Constitutional Democratic Party's country relations committee, warned reporters, ``I don't think there is an opposition party that opposes it.''