Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's resignation now appears inevitable, a senior New Komeito leader indicated Monday.
"The tide has turned completely. He should consider an honorable retreat," the lawmaker told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Since last week, New Komeito, a key partner in the coalition led by Mori's Liberal Democratic Party, has been stepping up pressure on the prime minister to resign amid plunging popular support.
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