Japan PM Abe loses two female ministers over cash scandals

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suffered a double setback Monday with the resignations of two female cabinet ministers over claims they misused political funds, dealing a blow to his proclaimed gender reform drive. Industry minister Yuko Obuchi and justice minister Midori Matsushima fell on their swords after days of allegations that they had misspent money in what opponents insisted was an attempt to buy votes. Their loss reduces to three the number of women in the cabinet, after Abe’s widely-praised move in September to promote a record-tying five to his administration.

I’m the person who appointed the two. As prime minister, I take responsibility for this and deeply apologise for this situation.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

While commentators generally agreed that this would not be the end of the hard-charging premier, who has set his sights on reinvigorating Japan’s lacklustre economy, they cautioned that he was now vulnerable. Obuchi, a daughter of a former prime minister, offered a fresh, youthful face on the front benches. But she began to come unstuck last week when reports emerged that she had spent political funds on make-up and accessories as gifts for supporters. Meanwhile, Matsushima has been under fire for allegedly giving out cheap fans with her name and picture printed on them – another example of trying to buy support.

This is Abe’s first major stumble. Because of the double resignations, his approval rate is likely to fall and Abe will be under pressure,” Iwai said. “If he repeats similar mistakes, it’s going to be a fatal blow to his administration.”

Tomoaki Iwai, professor of politics at Nihon University in Tokyo

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