Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reshuffles his cabinet: Who goes, who stays?

Prime Minister Abe and members of the ruling LDP coalition held meetings to prepare personnel for the Cabinet reshuffle on August 3.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference on the afternoon of August 2 that this Cabinet reshuffle aims to find new members to promote economic growth and ensure national security.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo: Reuters

He also added that the reform is also expected to restore public confidence in the government amid a decline in the Cabinet's approval rating in recent weeks.

Starting from the afternoon of August 2, personnel work has also been prepared, many people have been transferred to hold positions within the ruling LDP party.

Notably, the Minister of Defense is considered likely to be Mr. Itsunori Onodera - who held this position for 2 years from 2012. Mr. Onodera is considered to have a lot of experience in the defense field.

The economy minister will remain. The education and science minister will likely be Yoshimasa Hayashi, former minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Eshima Tetsuki, former vice minister of land and transport, will take over as minister in charge of Okinawa and northern affairs. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nagami will remain.

In addition, in this reshuffle, Prime Minister Abe continues to retain key figures such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshide Suga and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso. Justice Minister Kaneda may be replaced./.

According to VOV