Japan's agriculture minister resigns amidst rice crisis uproar
Japanese Agriculture Minister Taku Eto has resigned following controversy over his statement that he never buys rice, as he receives it for free from his supporters. This comment was made at a time when the country is dealing with a significant rise in the price of this staple food.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, upon accepting the resignation, described the minister's remark as "extremely inappropriate" and apologised to the public for the unfortunate choice of Eto for the position.
The controversy was ignited by the minister's words during a public appearance on Sunday. He admitted at that time that he never buys rice because he receives so much from his supporters that he simply has too much and could even sell it, as reported by Japanese broadcaster NHK.
The minister apologised for his "exceptionally inappropriate" statements.
I asked myself whether it is appropriate for me to stay at the helm [of the agriculture ministry] at a critical time for rice prices, and I concluded that it is not, said Eto, as quoted by the Kyodo agency.
The average price of rice sold in supermarkets in the week leading up to 11th May reached a record level of 4,268 yen (approximately £22) for 5 kilograms, which represents an increase from 4,214 yen in the previous week and about a twofold increase compared to the price a year ago. This is occurring despite the decision made in February to gradually release 210,000 tonnes of rice - one-fifth of the entire reserve - to the market by July.
Food crisis in Japan. Prime minister under fire
Eto's resignation has further burdened Prime Minister Ishiba, whose government is heavily criticised by the opposition for lacking a strategy to manage the food crisis. According to the latest Kyodo polls, 87% of Japanese people are dissatisfied with the way the government is handling the current situation.
The new agriculture minister is Shinjiro Koizumi. This 44-year-old politician, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is a popular figure in the country. He previously served as the Environment Minister.
