Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan, was not discouraged by the Japanese Lower House. The votes of no-confidence were 152, against 293. On the eve of the vote, Kan announced that he will resign after bringing the nuclear crisis in the country under control, as well as other serious problems in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March. His promise to give up the role in the near future had clearly affected the outcome of the vote, which experts predicted would have been unfavourable.
Naoto Kan has not set a precise date for his retirement. "I’d like to pass on my responsibility to a younger generation once we reach a certain stage in tackling the disaster and I’ve fulfilled my role. Until then, I want to fulfil my responsibility with you," Kan said at a meeting of Democratic Party of Japan lawmakers. Some members of his party had insisted that the Premier give his resignation immediately. But Khan's predecessor, Yukio Hatoyama, voiced favour for the prime minister and told parliament that he agreed with the decision for Kan to resign after a second post-quake reconstruction bill is drafted. This is due in August and September. Before Kan promised to resign, Hatoyama had announced that he would vote in favour of no-confidence. Hatoyama leads a major group in the ruling party. It is likely that Naoto Kan may use this period to seek an agreement with the opposition that will ensure a new political perspective.