江藤えとう農相のうしょう「コメ買かったことない」発言はつげん 野党やとうは批判ひはん 首相しゅしょうは陳謝ちんしゃ

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto retracted his own remarks regarding rice, apologized, and expressed his intention to continue serving as minister.

The opposition parties are unanimously criticizing the remarks as inappropriate and unacceptable, and they plan to pursue the matter in the Diet.

Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated his deep sense of responsibility as the appointing authority and once again apologized on the morning of the 20th. He expressed his hope that fulfilling his duties would mean achieving results in stabilizing rice prices.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto gave a speech at a Liberal Democratic Party meeting held in Saga City on the 18th. While discussing the idea that the distribution of reserve rice could be accelerated if it remained as unpolished brown rice, he said, I have never bought rice.

Supporters commented a lot, and he said things like, I have so many that I could sell them.

Regarding this, Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters on the 19th, As the person with the authority to make appointments, I am truly sorry and deeply apologize.

Rice is not available in stores, and even when it is, its extremely expensive, so consumers are very angry and anxious.

He said, Its an extremely serious problem.

And then, Minister Eto was summoned to the Prime Ministers Office and was given a stern warning.

After this, Minister Eto said, I received a very stern reprimand.

I was told to thoroughly and fully reflect on my actions and to continue making every effort to ensure that rice prices go down no matter what, he said, retracting his own statement, apologizing, and expressing his intention to continue serving as minister.

However, the average price of rice at supermarkets nationwide, announced on the 19th, was 4,268 yen per 5 kilograms including tax, which is an increase of 54 yen from the previous week, marking a return to an upward trend.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced measures last week to improve the smooth distribution of stockpiled rice, but questions remain as to whether they are taking sufficient action that truly considers the needs of consumers.

Within the ruling party: Lack of a sense of urgency. Within the opposition party: This statement is grounds for a vote of no confidence in the minister. Regarding this recent remark, some in the ruling party have voiced concerns that there is a lack of urgency while the public is struggling with a rice shortage.

The opposition side also said, with Constitutional Democratic Party Secretary-General Ogawa stating, It is extremely inappropriate, lacking in insight, and cannot be overlooked.

They are all criticizing at once, saying things like, If this is not dealt with strictly, depending on the situation, it could become a serious issue that might even call our positions into question.

Within the opposition parties, there are opinions that, since measures such as releasing reserve rice have not produced results—like rice prices not decreasing—along with this recent statement, the minister deserves a vote of no confidence.

They plan to pursue the matter in the Diet, such as by asking Minister Eto to explain his remarks again at the House of Councillors Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the 20th.

Prime Minister Ishiba: Responsibility as the Appointing Authority – Repeated Apology Regarding comments made by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto about rice, Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated his deep sense of responsibility as the appointing authority and apologized once again. He expressed his hope that the minister would fulfill his duties by delivering results in stabilizing rice prices.

Prime Minister Ishiba, when asked by reporters on the morning of the 20th as he entered the Prime Ministers Office whether the public would accept Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto continuing in his post, said, Minister Etos remarks were extremely inexcusable to consumers suffering from the soaring price of rice and to producers who are working hard to grow rice.

I deeply feel my responsibility as the person with the authority to make appointments, he said, once again offering his sincere apologies.

On top of that, the current job of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is to sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize, and to properly provide an answer regarding the surge in rice prices, in order to gain the understanding of the public.

He stated, I want a clear answer, expressing his hope that they will fulfill their responsibilities by delivering results in stabilizing rice prices.