Japan Politics Enters ‘Real Chaos’ With Kan Resignation Vow
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Naoto Kan’s pledge to step down as prime minister set off a contest to select Japan’s next leader, adding to the risk of delays in reconstruction and revenue bills needed to restore growth and assuage credit concerns.
Kan yesterday survived a no-confidence vote in parliament after appeasing Democratic Party of Japan rebels with an offer to resign once the nation’s worst postwar crisis is contained. DPJ lawmakers then divided over when that may happen, with Kan’s predecessor saying it could be by month-end and the prime minister suggesting it might not be until early next year.