Support for Japan's Takaichi cabinet falls below 50 pct to record low - poll

Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration fell to 49.1 percent, the lowest level since she took office in October last year and the first time the figure has dropped below 50 percent, according to a poll released by Kyodo News on Sunday.

The nationwide telephone survey was conducted on Saturday and Sunday, with the cabinet's approval rating falling 4.3 percentage points from the previous month.

The disapproval rating rose to 33 percent from 30.9 percent, the poll showed.

The decline in public support comes amid mounting controversy over scandals involving cabinet members, including former agriculture minister Kazuo Yana, who was dismissed following criticism over inappropriate remarks and alleged violations of the Public Offices Election Act.

In the latest poll, 57.7 percent of respondents said Takaichi had waited too long to dismiss Yana, while 54.7 percent said his resignation would negatively affect the cabinet's performance.

On economic policy, 65.1 percent of respondents expressed concern that the administration's proposed reduction of the consumption tax on food and beverages from eight percent to one percent for two years starting in April could adversely affect the country's public finances.

Separately, Japan's education minister Yoshihiro Seki recently apologized over improperly organized political fundraising events, adding to the controversies surrounding cabinet members.

Recent opinion polls conducted by several media organizations have also indicated a marked decline in support for the Takaichi cabinet.