News Makers

Japan PM's support rate falls sharply

Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso fell to just over one-third in a media poll published yesterday, the latest bad news for the premier as he considers whether to call a snap election.

Speculation is mounting that Aso, who took office last month, will call an early vote for the lower house in a bid to break a stalement in parliament although no election need be held until September 2009.