Abe's support slumps amid doubts about proposal to set up vet school

Tokyo

SUPPORT for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slumped more than 10 points to 44.9 per cent in a public opinion poll published on Sunday, amid opposition party suspicions that he used his influence unfairly to help a friend set up a business.

Mr Abe has repeatedly denied abusing his authority to benefit his friend. His grip on power is not in danger, given his ruling coalition's huge majority in parliament, but the affair looks unlikely to fade away.