Fukuda Cabinet disapproval rate tops 50%

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NHK WORLD English

Fukuda Cabinet disapproval rate tops 50%

The latest NHK poll shows that the public disapproval rate for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has surpassed 50 percent for the first time since he took office last September.

NHK polled people nationwide aged 20 or above over the weekend and received responses from 59 percent, or 1,048 people.

The approval rating for the Cabinet stood at 35 percent, down 3 percentage points from last month, while the disapproval rate rose 7 points to 55 percent.

Asked about the expiry of Japan's extra tax rates on gasoline and other road-related taxes, 41 percent said they welcome it, while 51 percent said they are not in favor.
Also, 58 percent said they support Mr Fukuda's proposal to allow the use of revenue from road-related taxes for general spending starting next fiscal year.

Thirty-four percent said they disapprove of the idea.

On the timing of dissolving the Lower House for general elections, 39 percent, the largest group, cited by autumn following the Group of Eight summit talks in Hokkaido in July.

Thirty-point-two percent said they support the main governing Liberal Democratic Party, down by about one point from March.

Seventeen-point-three percent said they support the largest opposition group, the Democratic Party, down 5 points. Thirty-seven-point-two percent said they do not support any party, up 5 points.

2008/04/14 19:14