Minister's sudden resignation deals blow to Abe
Amari - economy minister and instrumental in Japan's entry to TPP - quits to "take responsibility" in bribery case
Tokyo
JAPAN'S minister in charge of economic revival, Akira Amari, stepped down suddenly on Thursday to "take responsibility" for an uproar over claims that he and his office staff accepted contributions from a construction firm in return for political favours, although he continued to deny that bribery was involved.
The resignation of the 66-year-old political veteran - who has become a high-profile figure internationally since he steered through Japan's entry to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - is a serious blow to the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, analysts said.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Central banks will probably only cut half as much as they hiked
US consumer sentiment falls as inflation expectations climb
HSBC wins £1.3 billion suit over Disney film finance scandal
WTO countries to reboot dispute reform negotiations
Fed’s preferred core inflation gauge rose at a brisk pace in March
Thames water crisis risks £100 billion UK investment plan