Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan defeated a no-confidence motion yesterday over his handling of Japan’s triple disasters, but the victory may be short-lived — he said he was willing to resign once the country’s recovery kicks in.
Buying himself some time and warding off a challenge that threatened to split his party and send Japan’s government into a deeper morass, Kan won by a margin of 293-152 in the 480-seat lower house of parliament.
Kan, in office just one year, had been criticized for not responding swiftly enough to the crisis caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that left more than 24,000 people dead or missing. The tsunami also crippled a nuclear power plant northeast of Tokyo, setting off radiation leaks and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
The disaster — believed to be the costliest in history — has been a huge drain on Japan’s economy. The head of the nuclear plant’s operator has already resigned in disgrace, largely over criticism that the plant was not adequately prepared for such a large tsunami.
Before yesterday’s parliamentary session, Kan urged lawmakers to let him stay on and push ahead with measures to bring the country through the crisis, but in a nod to his many critics, he acknowledged “shortcomings” and said he would consider stepping down after the recovery firms up.
“Once the post-quake reconstruction efforts are settled, I will pass on my responsibility to younger generations,” he said. “The nuclear crisis is ongoing, and I will make my utmost efforts to end the crisis and move forward with post-quake reconstruction works.”
Kan has been criticized for delays in the construction of temporary housing and a lack of transparency about evacuation information in the nuclear crisis. His government is also embroiled in a debate about compensation for victims.
Japan’s government has said the cost of the earthquake and tsunami could reach US$309 billion, with extensive damage to housing, roads, utilities and businesses. Japan’s ballooning debt is already twice the size of the country’s GDP.
Kan did not specify a date or say how he would determine that the recovery was on track. Opponents immediately slammed that, saying Japan cannot afford to have a lame duck administration.
“If you are going to quit, quit now,” Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General and lawmaker Tadamori Oshima told Kan over a chorus of cheers and jeers in the chamber.
The LDP introduced the no-confidence motion on Wednesday along with two other opposition groups.
Japanese media reported Kan could stay on for a few months.
“I don’t think it will be long,” said Yukio Hatoyama, a member of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) who preceded Kan as prime minister.
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