Tokyo, August 23: A Japanese Cabinet minister says the country will have a new prime minister by early next week.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan has faced demands to step down amid criticism of his handling of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis.
Economy Minister Kaoru Yosano says Kan told Cabinet members Tuesday that his days are numbered and that they should be ready to resign en masse next Tuesday. Parliament is set to pass Friday two key bills that Kan wanted to see through.
Polls show Kan’s approval rating has fallen below 20 percent. Critics accuse him of a lack of leadership and survivors complain of slow relief efforts.
Former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara is favorite to take over. He is set to join the party leadership race Monday.
—Agencies