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Japan Economics Minister Resigns Amid Scandal
Japanese Economics Minister Fukushiro Nukaga resigned on Tuesday over a bribery scandal, dealing another serious blow to the government of embattled Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. Nukaga, under fire from political opponents as well as key figures within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), submitted his resignation to Mori after a cabinet meeting. The prime minister accepted it. "I could not create any more trouble for the cabinet and parliament," Nukaga told reporters as he emerged from the prime minister"s residence. "I deeply apologize to the public." He quoted Mori as telling him: "It is regrettable, but I want to respect your decision. Please make your best efforts for the government." Nukaga will be the third minister to leave the Mori cabinet since the prime minister took office nearly 10 months ago.
His departure comes as Mori"s approval ratings languish near record lows.
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