Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗) accepted the resignation of Agriculture Minister Yan Kazuo (簗和生), effectively deciding to dismiss him. This is the first cabinet reshuffle since she took office, and Takebe (武部) is expected to become his successor.
On the night of the 14th, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗) accepted the resignation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yan Kazuo (簗和生), who had faced allegations including violations of the Public Offices Election Act in past House of Representatives elections, and announced his effective dismissal. This is the first cabinet reshuffle over a scandal since the Takaichi administration was formed.
The prime minister said that advancing key issues, including bills related to a consumption tax cut, was the reason for accepting the resignation, and explained that she had agreed to accept Yan's resignation. Yan said he decided to resign to avoid causing disruption to deliberations in the Diet.
The opposition parties have stepped up their pursuit of the administration over responsibility for the appointment, and the chairpersons of the House of Councillors caucus affairs committees of several parties indicated that they would seek his resignation. The ruling parties held a majority in the upper house and passage was possible, but the situation has forced them to seek cooperation depending on the actions of the government and ruling parties.
Takebe (武部) has been reported as the expected successor as agriculture minister, and reports continue to say that the prime minister expects him to respond as an immediate asset through his inaugural press conference.