Kan creates 2 new cabinet posts; lists conditions for stepping down
TOKYO —
Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Monday created two cabinet posts to oversee the nuclear crisis and tsunami reconstruction efforts as he hopes to shore up his administration against criticism of its handling of the crises.
Kan named former Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto as reconstruction minister and made 39-year-old Goshi Hosono his minister in charge of handling the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
He also gave special advisory positions to two other senior politicians.
The moves are seen as an attempt by Kan to strengthen his hand against a growing number of critics who perceive a lack of leadership following the March 11 disaster.
He told a late-night news conference that he would be willing to step down, but only after significant steps are made toward putting Japan’s recovery on a solid footing. He has also set several preconditions, including the passage of budget bills and a renewable energy measure.
“I’m aiming at (stepping down) after achieving those bills,” Kan said.
Hosono, who has been director of the government’s nuclear crisis task force, will also be in charge of power conservation. An electricity shortage is expected in Tokyo because of the nuclear crisis, and the government has taken several steps to prevent problems.
Matsumoto will be replaced by Justice Minister Satsuki Eda, who will hold a double portfolio. Government revitalization minister Renho will become a special adviser, along with Shizuka Kamei, the leader of the coalition People’s New Party
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano announced the new lineup, in which he also serves administrative reform minister, taking over Renho’s former post.
The earthquake and tsunami disaster left about 23,000 people dead or missing on the northeast coast, and touched off the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl.
The disaster brought out deep rifts within Kan’s party and has strengthened the largest opposition bloc, which has slammed his response as dithering and poorly coordinated.
In another surprise move, Kan reached out to the opposition Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Kazuyuki Hamada, asking him to become parliamentary secretary for internal affairs and communications. Hamada accepted, and is likely to be expelled from the party, LDP officials said.
Senior LDP officials objected to Kan’s latest moves, and accused the prime minister of reshuffling his cabinet in a bid to hold onto power.
Compiled from news reports
Order by Time Order by Popularity
14 Comments
Login to comment
2
some14some
kudos, Kan !
1
paulinusa
He might be able to hold off the LDP and resist critics from his own party with these moves.
1
sourpuss
well played, for now.
1
Yubaru
Kan is a heck of a lot smarter than people give him credit for. He is playing the game as adroitly as necessary to get the country on the right path to recovery. Keep it up!
1
wanderlust
He could still be PM at the New Year if he continues to do things like this. He is giving an element of stability to Japanese politics, and putting together a reasonable (by Japanese standards) government. Just don't fix a date to resign...
1
Papigiulio
Great, amazed about Kan's effort, I thought he wouldve been out by now. GO kan
1
paulinusa
He's willing to piss off the LDP and rival members of his own party(who've made very clear their personal ambitions), but at this point I don't think he gives a damn.
2
globalwatcher
Very clever!! This political strategy was successfully used by US President Abraham Lincoln.
Also, he seems to understand his leadership skill is somewhat weak. Hope those chosen members are all Go Getters to support his weakness. I am glad Kamei was chosen. He is very strong in leadership skill. Edano is a great collaborator. He is a lawyer understanding legal issues for earthquake victims.
Let's start and get a job done. After all, Kan is smarter than people think. He understands what he is doing.
Congratulations to all Kan supporters!! Go Kan!!
0
gogogo
At least the blackmail is in favor for Japan, I say good on him.
1
minello7
Well done Mr Kan
1
zurcronium
japan has a real leader in Kan. And yes he is smarter than his detractors for sure. The longer Kan is in power the greater the chances are that Japan will finally get out of the 20 year ditch it has been in thanks to the corrupt LDP.
Kan is the man!
0
YongYang
Great politics. He has crossed the Rubicon.
0
Cricky
Great Job, it's an up hill battle and he forges ahead. Using ambiguity against the establishment classic!
1
YuriOtani
I hope he does not step down. He is just catching his stride as PM. Everyone makes mistakes and he should use the nuclear disaster as a learning experience.
Back to top