Japan’s Suga Slips in Poll Amid Dispute Over Academics
- Support for new premier fell 7 percentage points in NHK survey
- Rejection of nominees to academic panel has sparked criticism
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New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has seen his support rate take its first tumble since assuming office a month ago, over criticism he injected politics into a decision to reject nominees for an academic advisory council.
A poll conducted by public broadcaster NHK between Oct. 9-11 found support for Suga’s cabinet had fallen by 7 percentage points to 55% compared with the previous month. About 47% of respondents said his decision on the advisory board was unacceptable and many also faulted him over border openings that they believe were done too quickly and could spread the coronavirus.