Japan's Agriculture Minister has resigned, following strong reactions to his recent statement, in which he said he never buys rice because he gets it for free.
Taku Eto's statement angered public opinion, as food prices in his country have increased significantly and many citizens are facing difficulties making a living.
The minister's resignation increases pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is already facing harsh criticism for his failure to curb rising rice prices and address the general food crisis affecting citizens.
" I have just submitted my resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba ," Eto told reporters from the prime minister's office.
Earlier this year, Eto said he understood the "difficulties" of consumers, following the government's decision earlier this year to release about 300,000 tonnes of rice from emergency reserves in an attempt to curb rising prices.
However, speaking at a fundraising event last weekend, he said he has never bought rice himself, " because his supporters donate such large quantities that he can even afford to sell it ."
Eto's statement sparked outrage among consumers, as the price of a bag of rice has almost doubled compared to last year, according to April data.
" I wondered if it was right for me to remain at the head of the Ministry of Agriculture at such a critical time for rice prices and I came to the conclusion that it was not necessary ," the minister said today, announcing his resignation.
" I apologize once again to the citizens for my extremely inappropriate statements, at a time when they are struggling with high rice prices ," he underlined.
Eto was replaced today by Shinjiro Koizumi, a former environment minister who had unsuccessfully contested the leadership of the ruling LDP party against Ishiba last fall. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
