Nippon Ishin no Kai decides not to demand resignation or dismissal over Agriculture Minister Yana's remarks
Fumitake Fujita, Secretary-General and co-representative of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), held a press conference on the 7th. During the conference, he expressed his views regarding remarks made by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kazuo Yana concerning the reduction of road budgets for local governments.
Minister Yana had made comments suggesting that local government road budgets should be cut, which sparked criticism in some quarters. Following these remarks, calls for Minister Yana to be held accountable had also emerged.
However, Mr. Fujita clarified at the press conference that the party would not go so far as to demand the minister's dismissal or resignation from his parliamentary seat. While maintaining a strict stance as an opposition party, the party has determined that the situation does not warrant a demand for resignation.
These remarks had drawn attention as an important issue concerning the budget management of local governments. There continues to be interest in how the government and both ruling and opposition parties will proceed with discussions on this matter.