菅原経産相進退論、与党内で浮上＝自民幹部「続投難しい」

　菅原一秀経済産業相の公設秘書が地元選挙区の通夜で香典を手渡したとされる疑惑をめぐり、与党内で菅原氏の進退論に発展するとの見方が浮上した。菅原氏は、日米貿易協定承認案が審議入りした２４日の衆院本会議を欠席し、疑惑への説明をしていない。自民党幹部は「閣僚を続けるのは難しい」との認識を示した。

　菅原氏は２４日午後、経産省で記者団に「あす、国会で説明します」と述べ、２５日の衆院経産委に出席する考えを示した。自民党執行部の一人は「まずは首相官邸がどう判断するかだ」とし、安倍晋三首相の対応を注視する考えを示した。公明党幹部は「法律違反だったら守り切れない」と批判した。（2019/10/24-19:37）

Japanese industry minister Isshu Sugawara has been under pressure over possible violation of the public offices election law and some members of the ruling bloc think that he could be forced to step down.
   "It would be difficult (for Sugawara) to continue to serve as cabinet minister," a senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said. "We can't protect (Sugawara) if (what he has done) is illegal," said a senior member of Komeito, the LDP's junior coalition partner.
   Another senior LDP member said the prime minister's office will decide on Sugawara's course of action.
   Sugawara, who was absent from a parliamentary meeting Thursday, told reporters that he will speak about the allegations in parliament on Friday.
   In its Thursday edition, the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine reported that a secretary of Sugawara offered "koden" condolence money at a funeral in his constituency on Oct. 17.