The credibility of Prime Minister Taro Aso as the nation's top leader has slipped another notch after he flip-flopped again — this time about whether to split up the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.

This ministry was established through the merger of the former Health and Welfare Ministry and the former Labor Ministry in 2001 as part of a government reorganization. The current ministry is enormous, using about half the government's budget. Its jurisdiction includes pension, medical and nursing care services, other social welfare measures, labor policy and employment. The ministry is now busy with measures to cope with the new influenza.

It has been pointed out that the scope of the ministry's jurisdiction is so big now that one minister cannot properly handle all issues related to it. Therefore, dividing the ministry is a possible option from a long-range viewpoint.