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Yuko Obuchi: Japanese trade and industry minister quits | Yuko Obuchi: Japanese trade and industry minister quits |
(35 minutes later) | |
Japan's trade and industry minister has submitted her resignation to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over claims she abused political funds. | |
Yuko Obuchi is alleged to have used funds from her political support groups and other donations on make-up and other items unconnected to politics. | Yuko Obuchi is alleged to have used funds from her political support groups and other donations on make-up and other items unconnected to politics. |
She handed Mr Abe a letter of resignation during a 30-minute meeting. | |
Correspondents say it is a blow to Mr Abe who is facing tough decisions on unpopular economic policies. | |
Ms Obuchi was once seen as potentially Japan's first female premier. | Ms Obuchi was once seen as potentially Japan's first female premier. |
She was one of five women appointed by Mr Abe in his last cabinet reshuffle. | She was one of five women appointed by Mr Abe in his last cabinet reshuffle. |
NHK TV said on Monday that Ms Obuchi would reveal the results of an investigation into her alleged abuse of funds after meeting Mr Abe to offer her resignation. | NHK TV said on Monday that Ms Obuchi would reveal the results of an investigation into her alleged abuse of funds after meeting Mr Abe to offer her resignation. |
Mr Abe's first term as prime minister in 2006-2007 saw a string of scandals amongst his ministers, eventually leading to his own resignation for health reasons after just one year in office. | Mr Abe's first term as prime minister in 2006-2007 saw a string of scandals amongst his ministers, eventually leading to his own resignation for health reasons after just one year in office. |