Japan's PM Abe rewards allies in new Cabinet line-up
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(From left) Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talks with Finance Minister Taro Aso at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, on Oct 2, 2018.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
TOKYO - Last August, when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was facing cronyism allegations that damaged public trust in his government, he shook up his Cabinet by roping in as ministers several who have publicly opposed him before.
Yet 14 months on, with the sails once again in his wind after a landslide snap election win last October and re-election two weeks ago as president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), experts said Mr Abe has once again returned to form by rewarding key loyal allies.