Prime Minister Takaichi gives ``severe warning'' to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan, orders his continued appointment, and Ritsumeikan demands his resignation

On the 8th, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a representative question from both houses of the House of Representatives that he had given a strict warning to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kazuo Yan, who had said that he had "significantly cut" the budgets of local governments that did not support him, saying, "I believe that his comments were inappropriate." He instructed him to continue in the role, saying, ``Just work and give back with your work.'' The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan increased the pressure by pressing for his early resignation and refusing to respond to a hearing at the House of Councilors Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan denies being replaced, Prime Minister Takaichi makes ``inappropriate remarks'' - representative question

Masayo Tanabe, secretary-general of Ritmin, condemned the move, saying, ``The attitude of trying to use the budget for political revenge or payback is completely unacceptable.'' Yuichiro Tamaki, representative of the Democratic Party for the People, held the prime minister responsible for the appointment, calling for a ``ministry-wide investigation to dispel the public's doubts.''

The prime minister acknowledged that ``I am responsible for appointing him,'' but emphasized, ``It is important for politicians to explain what they say. I hope they straighten up and fulfill their responsibilities.'' ``It is natural that political support or disapproval should not be factored into budget allocation,'' he reiterated. The ministry rejected the inquiry, saying, ``We will once again ensure appropriate budget allocation.''

On this day, Mr. Yan also took the stand for the first time. ``I thought that I had worked hard for the sake of my hometown, but I made statements that were not true.This was due to my lack of morals,'' he apologized. ``I will keep in mind the weight of my responsibility as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and I will do my best to carry out my duties,'' he said.