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Japan Cabinet reshuffle expected in days ahead

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-31 14:36

TOKYO - Japan's prime minister may reshuffle his Cabinet, a government spokesman said Thursday, in a move aimed at boosting the leader's waning popularity.

Japan's Prime Minister and Chairman of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Yasuo Fukuda adjusts his microphone as he speaks to media during a news conference at the international media centre of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in Rusutsu Town July 9, 2008. [Agencies]

Japanese media polls show Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's public support has been hurt by a series of scandals about missing pension records, arrests of defense officials and alleged bribery. His overall approval rating has fallen to about 20 percent in recent months, several polls found.

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Fukuda has failed to achieve the popularity of the flamboyant former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Fukuda will meet Thursday with ministers to discuss the matter and would soon announce a decision, said Nobutaka Machimura, the chief government spokesman.

The opposition, which controls the parliamentary upper house, has been challenging the ruling party about the scandals and pressing for a snap-election. Fukuda's Liberal Democratic Party controls the more powerful lower house in a coalition.