Japan's Industry Minister Quits over Money Scandal

(MENAFN- QNA) Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi resigned Monday to take responsibility for alleged misuse of political funds, while another female member of the Cabinet is also set to quit, in a huge blow to the government of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and its vaunted policy of promoting women's empowerment.

Government sources said that in addition to Obuchi, Justice Minister Midori Matsushima intends to resign over her alleged violation of the election law by distributing paper fans to constituents, which could count as a donation banned under the law, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency.

The scandal involving the two ministers, breaking less than two months after Abe's Cabinet reshuffle, could also affect key policy decisions for the premier including whether to go ahead with a planned additional hike in the consumption tax that has already proven unpopular.