Reshuffle already? After only four months in office?
Officially, he’s doing it because two ministers messed up. Opposition says he’s doing it to cause a diversion to push through the tax increase.
And the word on the street?
Word on the street is this: One: He’s made his rival Okada deputy PM. Two: Then he announced that Okada will oversee the tax increase. Three: This tax reform will cause an outcry and is sure to fail. Four: The public will crucify Okada. Five: Noda stays as PM. That’s the back story. Set up a rival to fall on his sword.
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Voice-over
Political analysis is never simple, but here there are at least three versions:
(1) The official announcement: cabinet reshuffle.
(2) Opposition takes the opportunity to shine a light on the hidden agenda: tax increase.
(3) Back story: conspiracy theory.
...
