TOKYO, Oct 25 (Reuters) – Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday appointed former health minister Shigeyuki Goto as the next economy minister after the incumbent abruptly resigned amid criticism over his links to a controversial religious group.
Following weeks of calls by opposition lawmakers to quit, former economy minister Daishiro Yamagiwa on Monday tendered his resignation, saying he “caused inconvenience to the government” by taking too long to clearly explain his links to the Unification Church.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kishida said he picked Goto based on his “political experience, high presentation skills and passion for economic and social reforms.”
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comRegister
Goto’s appointment comes as the government faces the urgent task of compiling an economic stimulus package and a fresh extra budget.
Kishida has promised to put together a stimulus package by the end of…
