Bianjie

[journey]

Infrastructure minister steps down citing "lack of trust", but denies any wrongdoing
20 July 5640



As the Kibōjūtaku report is tearing through the political life of the nation, under intense pressure from the public, the media, and within his own party, Huang Zou, the long-serving Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, officially resigned yesterday in connection with the escalating corruption scandal surrounding Bianjie's flagship social housing program. In a short briefing in front of the Kōtei, residence of the Premier, Zou delivered a short statement following his meeting with Premier Jalar: "I take full political responbility for the ministry's failure to keep Premier's and citizens' trust in our actions of upholding the transparency. However, I remain certain that nothing wrong has been done, and the report is a fabricated piece of paper, which was never in the ministerial possession". Zou refused to respond to any questions, immediately leaving Kōtei on a private car. 

In less than an hour, Premier Jalar came out in front of the journalists as well, to talk about the meeting with Zou, where she thanked minister for almost 10 years of the work in her cabinets, but also Jalar has announced that she will be appointing the non-partisan technocrat as the Zou's successor. Kenwa Asuke, 59, is a former chairman of the Namušun County Housing Board, and was widely respected during his tenure as the NCHB chair across the spectrum, leading some analysts to think Asuke's appointment is an attempt to "restore trust", but also stabilise the polling numbers, as the SPP has been plumetting to 37%, the worst SPP has been polled since 5630, right before the former Premier Oboi Kongkeri resigned.

With this resignation even more doubts are being casted on the future of the incumbent governing coalition, as the New Dawn officials are rather reluctant to state whether they are fully confident in their commitment to the coalition. "We certainly are glad that the minister Zou has resigned, and such an important ministry, like MIT will have someone as professional and reputable as Mr. Asuke. We were and still are firm supporters of the Kibōjūtaku, but we never appreciate shielding allies from the justice. What happened today is a step forward, but it's not the last step the government must take", ND's spokesman, Eidu Citela said to Radio 562. 

Now opposition parties and New Dawn have announced the creation of the inquiry commission, but some within the BDA also voice concerns that ND and SPP want to limit the opposition in the commission, something which both government parties deny. "They want to create a government-only commission to avoid any real truth we might expose. That's the 'new' transparency government speaks about. Swapping masks on a sinking ship won’t save the passengers", said Hiyoo Raoguo, vice-president of the Demaction.



Gemun Post (ゲムンポスト) is a major (previously local) daily newspaper based in Gemun.
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