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Under Fire, Japan's PM Won't Bow to Election Calls

Body's censure of Fukuda a post-war first

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 11, 2008 10:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – Japan's prime minister suffered a humiliating blow today in a no-confidence motion passed by the upper house of the country's legislature—a post-war first, the BBC reports. Although the measure isn't politically binding, it's the latest step by the opposition to force Yasuo Fukuda to call new elections, a call Fukuda has repeatedly dismissed.

Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda suffered an embarrassing censure vote in parliament today. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)

Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, pictured with Angela Merkel, suffered an embarrassing censure vote in parliament today. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda suffered an embarrassing censure vote in parliament today. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

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Under Fire, Japan's PM Won't Bow to Election Calls

Body's censure of Fukuda a post-war first

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Ex Olympus Execs Arrested Over Cover-Up

Ex-chairman, others implicated in $1.5B loss dating to '90s

Japan's Economy Shrinks More Than Expected

Rising yen, falling international demand, led to 2.3% contraction

Japan's Emperor to Have Heart Bypass

Akihito has suffered from variety of health problems in recent years

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

Japan Kept Worst-Case Nuclear Fears Under Wraps

Fukushima report warned that all of Tokyo might need to be evacuated

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Under Fire, Japan's PM Won't Bow to Election Calls

Body's censure of Fukuda a post-war first

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Japan • no confidence • Yasuo Fukuda

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More Newser Stories

Ex Olympus Execs Arrested Over Cover-Up

Ex-chairman, others implicated in $1.5B loss dating to '90s

Japan's Economy Shrinks More Than Expected

Rising yen, falling international demand, led to 2.3% contraction

Japan's Emperor to Have Heart Bypass

Akihito has suffered from variety of health problems in recent years

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

Japan Kept Worst-Case Nuclear Fears Under Wraps

Fukushima report warned that all of Tokyo might need to be evacuated

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