Japan PM Abe 'eyes reshuffle as support rate plunges'
POLITICS
By Chen Xuanlan

2017-07-08 14:45 GMT+8

Japanese media say Prime Minister Shinzo Abe intends to make changes to his cabinet as early as next month as opinion polls show public support for his government declining. 

Kyodo News and other outlets say Defense Minister Tomomi Inada and Justice Minister Kaneda Katsutoshi may be replaced, citing government and party sources. Inada was urged to quit amid allegations he attempted to use Japan's military, known as the Self Defense Forces, to influence Tokyo's assembly election. 

Katsutoshi was criticized over allegations he sought to stifle Diet debates on a controversial anti-conspiracy bill by manipulating the media. Reports also say the move comes in preparation for the extraordinary Diet session expected to be convened in September. 

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