National News Finance chief Nakagawa resigns

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Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa abruptly resigned Feb. 17 amid rapidly growing calls to quit over his allegedly drunken appearance at a Group of Seven (G-7) news briefing in Rome on Feb. 14. Prime Minister Taro Aso accepted Nakagawa's resignation letter immediately and said he would appoint economic and fiscal policy minister Kaoru Yosano, 70, to succeed Nakagawa.

At the Rome G-7 news conference, Nakagawa slurred his speech, at times appeared half asleep and had trouble answering questions from reporters. His behavior sparked speculation that he may have been drunk, as it has long been rumored he is a heavy drinker. Nakagawa, however, denied this and claimed he had taken too much cold medicine. (The Japan Times)

中川財務大臣が辞任

ローマで2月14日に行なわれたG7の記者会見で酔っ払ったような姿を見せたことで、中川昭一財務大臣は17日、突然辞任を表明した。

Shukan ST: February 27, 2009

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