Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister resigned on Monday amid criticism for failing to fully explain his ties to a religious group that critics say is cult-like, in a move that represents a blow to the prime minister. , Fumio Kishida.
Daishiro Yamagiwa, the first person to resign from Kishida’s government since the premier came to power last year, has become the most high-profile political victim so far in a growing scandal sparked by the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in July.
His resignation is a severe blow to a leader whose support has dropped to record lows amid revelations about connections between nearly half of lawmakers in his Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church.
Yamagiwa later told reporters that he regretted his actions, but did not apologize and said he would remain a lawmaker as he did nothing illegal.
He added that he regrets having attended so many church meetings and giving recognition to the organization as a result.
Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki told Jiji news agency that he was surprised by Yamagiwa’s resignation and added that care must be taken to ensure that there is no impact on a government economic package due to be approved later this week.
The church, founded in South Korea in the 1950s and famous for its mass weddings, came under the spotlight following the July 8 assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
The suspect in Abe’s shooting held a grudge against the church, claiming it bankrupted his mother and blaming the former premier of promoting her, according to his social media posts and news reports.
Source: CNN Brasil
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