Shinzo Abe must work to restore faith in his pursuit of reform

Japan needs a leader who is determined and respected if it is to banish two decades of deflationary paralysis. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has given hope of that through his recovery programme known as Abenomics, a radical strategy of spending and monetary easing. There have been glimmers of recovery as a result of the first two stages, but it is the final "arrow" that holds the key. A failure to properly manage the fallout from the surprise resignations of two women ministers in his recently reshuffled cabinet and scandals involving one of their replacements could derail plans.

Money scandals brought down trade and energy minister Yuko Obuchi and justice minister Midori Matsushima. They had been among five women Abe chose for his cabinet to show resolve to boost the role of their sex in society. Opponents claimed both had misused political funds to buy votes, allegations that have not been explained. The prime minister has apologised, but that is not enough to regain confidence.

Abe should have properly checked the backgrounds of the pair before he appointed them. Further proof of his lack of vetting quickly followed with controversies involving Obuchi's replacement, Yoichi Miyazawa, over a possible violation of the political funds law and an aide's expenses claim for a visit to a sex club. These are the first significant problems for the prime minister since taking office 22 months ago and hark back to his first stint as the country's leader in 2007. Then, he left in disgrace and poor health after 366 days, four ministers having resigned and another having committed suicide over scandals.

Abe recuperated and studied his failings, returning to politics with bold plans and resolve. By getting women into the workforce, company boardrooms and top positions in government, he envisages a driver for an economic turnaround. He is right, but that will take time; firms and officials must not be deterred from making appointments.

Another vital stage of Abenomics, further raising the consumption tax to increase revenue, faces considerable public opposition. Abe's popularity has faltered; the latest Yomiuri Shimbun poll showed just 53 per cent of Japanese now support his government. His troubles may have resulted from an eagerness to grab headlines or, more worryingly, complacency and lax discipline in the administration. Repairing the damage requires explaining the scandals and changing the system that allowed them to occur. Only by restoring confidence is there a chance of Abe moving on to the most important stage of his reforms.